"I don't look upon Andy Burke as my inferior," said Charlie. "He is poor, to be sure, but he is a good fellow, and helps support his mother and sister, as I would do in his place." "Charlie Fleming," was heard from the playground, "come and choose up for baseball." Without waiting for an answer, Charlie ran to the field alongside the schoolhouse, where the game was to take place. CHAPTER XI A GAME OF BALL "Come here," said Conrad Fletcher; "come here, Charlie, and choose up for a game. We must make haste, or recess will be over." "All right, Conrad." The first choice devolved upon Conrad. He chose Ephraim Pinkham, noted as a catcher. "I take Elmer Rhodes," said Charlie. "John Parker," said Conrad. "Henry Strauss." "Godfrey Preston," was Conrad's next choice. "Can you play, Andy?" asked Charlie. "Yes," said Andy. "Then, I take you." "I've a good mind to resign," said Godfrey, in a low voice, to Ben Travers. "I don't fancy playing with that Irish boy." However, he was too fond of playing to give up his place, notwithstanding his antipathy to Andy. Charlie Fleming's side went in first, and Charlie himself went to the bat. The pitcher was Godfrey. He was really a fair pitcher, and considered himself very superior. Charlie finally succeeded in hitting the ball, but rather feebly, and narrowly escaped losing his first base. He saved it, however. Next at the bat was Elmer Rhodes. He hit one or two fouls, but not a fair ball. Finally he was put out on three strikes; meanwhile, however, Charlie Fleming got round to third base. Henry Strauss succeeded in striking the ball, but it was caught by center field, rapidly sent to first base, before Henry could reach it, then thrown to the catcher in time to prevent Charlie Fleming from getting in. He ran half-way to home base, but seeing his danger, ran back to third base. Next Andy took the bat. "Knock me in, Andy," called out Charlie Fleming. "All right" said Andy, quietly. "Not if I can prevent it," said Godfrey to himself, and he determined by sending poor balls, to get our hero out on three strikes. The first ball, therefore, he sent about six feet to the right of the batter. Andy stood in position, but, of course, was far too wise to attempt hitting any such ball. The next ball went several feet above his head. Of this, too, he took no notice. The third would have hit him if he had not dodged. "Why don't you knock at the balls?" asked Godfrey. "I will, when you give better ones," said Andy, coolly. "I don't believe you know how to bat," said Godfrey, with a sneer. "I don't believe you know how to pitch," returned Andy. "How's that?" sending another ball whizzing by his left ear. "I want them waist-high," said Andy. "My waist is about two feet lower than my ears."