They pretended to dislike him because he had no "nerve," which was only another method of saying that he absolutely declined to be egged into a dispute, and had a wonderful way of cooling off all would-be fighters who dared him to a fist test.
Those who knew Hugh best felt certain there must be some good and valid reason for his action in this respect.

He had taken none of them into his confidence, however, and they could only surmise what it might be.
The general consensus of opinion was that possibly at some time in his younger years, Hugh may have shown signs of an ungovernable temper, and his wise mother had made him solemnly promise never to allow himself to be drawn into a fight unless it was to protect some one weaker than himself who was being rudely treated by a bully.
He nodded his head as he drew near the group, for by now the eager boys had left their lofty perch, and gathered in an excited bunch to learn what was in the wind.
"News, fellows!" exclaimed the latest addition to the group, "great news for the Scranton lovers of baseball!" "Then the committee have finished making out their programme, and mebbe even decided on the lucky candidates who'll have a chance to show what they've got in them to put the school on the map this year ?" "A pretty good guess for you, Eli, so go up head," laughed Hugh; "for I've just been told that is what has come about.

Their deliberations have closed, and presently there will be a general call issued for a full meeting, at which their report is to be read.

Then everybody will know whether or not they have been deemed worthy of making a try for honors in the diamond this season." "We'll all be mighty glad when it's over, and those of us who are unfortunate enough to get left high and dry can know the worst," said K.K.
"Huh! you needn't lose any sleep over that, K.K.!" exclaimed Sandy Dowd.

"Everybody knows you're a jim-dandy at the bat, and a clever fielder in the bargain.