Captain Dick Prescott, of the Central Grammar nine, had called practice for that afternoon, from half past four to six o’clock.

At recess, that afternoon, a pleasant, somewhat rotund-looking man was seen engaged in conversation with Old Dut in a corner of the schoolyard.  At the close of the afternoon session that same man stepped into the schoolroom, accepting the principal’s offer of a chair on the platform.

“Attention!” called Old Dut, striking the bell.  “I am glad to be able to state that no pupil has incurred the penalty of remaining after school to-day.  However, I am going to ask the members of the Central Grammar baseball nine and their substitutes to remain for a few minutes.  I pledge myself not to interfere with the scheduled practice,” continued the principal dryly.  “All other pupils will file out promptly, and not loiter in coatrooms or corridors.”

Within two minutes the place had been cleared of all but Dick’s baseball squad.

“I now wish, young gentlemen,” began Old Dut, “to introduce to you Mr. Edson Brown, who is interested in baseball, and who has a slight favor that he wishes to ask of you.”

“It’s very simple,” declared Mr. Brown, rising and stepping down from the platform.  “I have been greatly interested in baseball for a number of years.  Among other things I have a considerable collection of figures concerning school teams, their sizes and weights, I would like, with your permission, young gentlemen, to take a few measurements.  I won’t detain you more than a few moments.”

“Do you want a suggestion, sir?” asked Tom Reade.

“Of course,” nodded Mr. Brown, smilingly.

“Then the real crowd that you ought to measure are the fellows of the North Grammar nine.  You’d get a fine lot of chest measurements there, I can promise you.”

“Why?” asked Mr. Brown.  “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.