other fellow was going forward to show himself after the last
three who had worked from the box.

There was almost a dead silence, then, while Coach Luce and the
two members of the Athletics Committee conferred in whispers.
At last the coach stepped forward.

"We have chosen the pitchers!" he shouted. Then, after a pause,
Mr. Luce went on:

"The pitchers for the regular school nine will be Prescott, Darrin,
Ripley, in the order named."

"Oh, you Dick!"

"Bang-up Prescott!"

"Reliable old Darrin!"

"Ripley---ugh!"

And now the fierce cheering drowned out all other cries. But
Fred Ripley, his face purple with rage, darted forward before
the judges.

"I protest!" he cried.

"Protests are useless," replied Mr. Luce. "The judges give you
four points less than Darrin, and seven less than Prescott. You've
had a fair show, Mr. Ripley."