"Are the North Grammar boys better developed physically ?" "I can't say about that," Reade replied seriously, "but they're the only Grammar School fellows in Gridley that have baseball uniforms, and I understand that they're the chestiest lot of young fellows that any one ever saw." "I'll consider the North Grammar boys later, then," nodded Mr.
Brown, smiling.

"Now, will each young man oblige me by removing his coat and vest and stepping forward for the measurements that I want to take ?" In a notebook Mr.Brown jotted down the measurements that he made.
There being five substitute players, there were fourteen boys in all whose measurements he recorded.
"That is all," nodded Mr.Brown finally, snapping his notebook and tucking it away in a pocket.

"I am deeply indebted to all of you young men.
"And now I beg to add," said Old Dut, "that, as all of you youngsters are in a hurry, there will be no criticism if you see fit to race through the corridors." Out on the field, just before half past four, Captain Dick Prescott lined up his squad of fourteen, himself included, and quickly added four more to the number, thus organizing two nines.
"Now, play ball," he called.
"Do it in a hurry," supplemented Tom Reade.
"Speed is all right," Dick retorted.

"But we want to play with care, even more than with speed.

The scrub nine will go to bat." Dick himself ran quickly out to the pitcher's box, twirling his ball impatiently.