Under the trees two lads were playing ball.

They played with such zeal that Oscar, looking over the hedge, became absorbed in watching them, and entirely forgot his object He was a good player himself; but such throws! "Bravo!" he cried; and the boys looked round.

"Come and play too," called one of them.
Oscar asked nothing better.

Hardly had he entered the yard than piff! paff! the play began again.

Such a game he had never had before, nor with such players.