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288 our club represent the academy in the important outside games."

At the proper time Phil tried twelve boys who wished to get on the regular team of the school. Of these youths four were selected to join the squad, either as regulars or substitutes. Of these four Dave was one.

"Your batting is all right, Dave," said Phil, after the selections had been made. "And your throwing is good and strong. Do you know what I would like you to do? I'd like you to practice pitching."

"Pitching!" ejaculated Dave. "Do you think I could pitch?" And his face took on an interested look. He had often had a desire to "fill the box," but had never thought himself able to do it.

"Well, you try it, and we'll see how you make out," answered the captain of the club. "At present I am going to put you out in left field, where you can run for flies and throw the ball to the plate, if it's necessary."

The boys who had tried to get on the team and had failed were much disappointed, and Plum and Poole had little difficulty in persuading them to join the rival club, as it got to be called. Then practicing began in earnest, and was kept up nearly every day after school hours.

By the middle of May the weather was perfect