Produced by Jim Ludwig
or Dick & Co. on the Gridley Diamond
CHAPTERS
I. The Principal Hears Something About Pennies
II. Dick Takes Up His Pen
III. Mr. Cantwell Thinks Twice—-or Oftener
IV. Dave Warns Tip Scammon
V. Ripley Learns That the Piper Must be Paid
VI. The Call to the Diamond—-Fred Schemes
VII. Dave Talks with One Hand
VIII. Huh? Woolly Crocheted Slippers
IX. Fred Pitches a Bombshell into Training Camp
X. Dick & Co. Take a Turn at Feeling Glum
XI. The Third Party's Amazement
XII. Trying out the Pitchers
XIII. The Riot Call and Other Little Things
XIV. The Steam of the Batsman
XV. A Dastard's Work in the Dark
XVI. The Hour of Tormenting Doubt
XVII. When the Home Fans Quivered
XVIII. The Grit of the Grand Old Game
XIX. Some Mean Tricks Left Over
XX. A Tin Can for the Yellow Dog
XXI. Dick is Generous Because It's Natural
XXII. All Roads Lead to the Swimming Pool
XXIII. The Agony of the Last Big Game
XIV. Conclusion
Clang!
"Attention, please."
The barely audible droning of study ceased promptly in the bigassembly room of the Gridley High School.
The new principal, who had just stepped into the room, and whonow stood waiting behind his flat-top desk on the platform, wasa tall, thin, severe-looking man of thirty-two or three.
For this year Dr. Carl Thornton, beloved principal for a half-scoreof years, was not in command at the school. Ill health had forcedthe good old doctor to take at least a year's rest, and this strangernow sat in the Thornton chair.
"Mr. Harper," almost rasped out Mr. Cantwell's voice, "stop rustlingthat paper."
Harper, a little freshmen, who had merely meant to slip the paperinside his desk, and who was not making a disturbing noise thereby,flushed pink and sat immobile, the paper swinging from one hand.
From the principal's attitude and his look of seriousness, somethingunusual was pending. Some of the girls permitted their apprehensionto be seen. On the faces of several of the boys rested a lookof half defiance, for this principal was unpopular, and, by thestudents, was considered unjust.
"It being now in the early part of December," went on Mr. Cantwell,"we shall, on Monday, begin rehearsing the music for the specialexercises to be held in this school on the day before Christmas.To that end, each of you found, on returning from recess, thenew Christmas music on your desk."
Mr. Cantwell paused an instant for this important informationto sink in. Several slight, little sighs of relief escaped thestudents, especially from the girls' side of the great room.This speech did not presage anything very dreadful to come.
"This sheet music," continued Mr. Cantwell, "is to be sold tothe pupils at cost to the Board of Education. This cost priceis fifteen cents."
Again Mr. Cantwell paused. It was a trick of his, a personalpeculiarity. Then be permitted himself a slight smile as he added:
"This being Friday, I will ask you all to be sure to bring, onMonday morning, the money, which you will pay to me. Don't forget,please; each of you bring me his little fifteen pennies. Now,return to your s