Captain Prescott, do you claim any time for practice ?" "Not if it's time to begin playing," Dick answered.
"Yes; it is.

I'll call Martin, and you two will attend me for the pitch of the coin." "Wait a moment, please," called Hi, from across the field.
"What's the matter ?" shouted a spectator.
"The North Grammars want to go home and change their uniforms," shouted another onlooker.
There was a great laugh at this, which caused Hi Martin to color and look belligerent.

He came stalking across the field.
"Ladies and gentlemen," shouted Ted Teall, affecting the manner of an announcer, "I beg to state that the game about to begin will be between two famous nines, known as the Gentlemen and the Chromos." At this there was more laughter, while Hi Martin shook with rage.
Looking at the bright red so prominent in the North Grammar uniforms, there could be no doubt as to which nine had been dubbed the "Chromos." "Mr.Umpire," called Hi angrily, "have you power to preserve order here to-day ?" "I'll do my best," agreed Tozier.

"But this is an open field that any one may enter, and there are no police here." "Play ball, you red-heads!" jeered a boy, referring to the bright red caps of the North Grammars.

"Don't holler for the police until you find out whether you can stand up to the Centrals." "Now, let us stop all guying of the players and all other nonsense," called Tozier firmly, as he held up his right hand.