"Remember that we are here to see a game and not to listen to cheap wit." That held the unruly ones back for a few moments.

Tozier drew a coin from one of his pockets, exhibited it to the captains, and asked: "Who will call the toss ?" "Martin may," nodded Captain Dick.
"Ready, then." Ben Tozier sent the coin spinning skyward.

When it turned to fall Hi called out: "Tails." "Heads win," declared Umpire Tozier.
"Captain Martin, have you any choice ?" inquired Prescott politely.
"I didn't win the toss," Hi returned sulkily.
"But we'll give you your choice if you have any," Dick insisted.
"We'd rather go to bat," Hi observed.
"Then, Mr.Umpire," continued Dick, turning to Tozier, "the Centrals choose the field." "Get to your places," nodded Ben.

"Martin at bat; Percival on deck," called the score-keeper.
Dick ran down to the pitcher's box, while Greg, slipping on mask and glove, took up his position behind the plate.
Tozier carelessly broke the seal on the package enclosing a ball, inspected it, and dropped it into Dick's hands.

Dick threw an overshoot to Greg, who mitted it neatly.
But Ted Teall could not let the occasion go by without some nonsense.
"Whack!" shouted Teall.