The Washington herald., 1914-03-01
tcopsnslnt. ,si,.,

unique. Himself dangerous bat, bril-
liant field, and perhaps the very finest
slow bowler Of his decade, he took incree-
IDLY little interest in the game at large
Cricket" said Rafies. like everything
else, is good enough sport until you dis
cover a better. What's the satisfaction
of taking mans wicket when you want
his spoons? I'd chuck up cricket tomor-
row, Bunny, If it wasn't for the glorious
protection it affords person of my pro-
clivities"
How soy" said ]. 1T brings you be-
fore the public, should have thought,
far more than is either safe or wise.
MY dear Bunny. that's exactly where
YOU make a mistake. To follow Crime
with reasonable impunity you Simply
must have a pa allel, ostensihle career
the more public the better. That's why
want YOU to cuItivats journalism, my
boy, and sign all you can. And it's the
one and only reason why don't burn my
bats for firewood."
Nevertheless, when he did play there
was no keener performer on the field, nor
one more anxious to do well for his side.
1t became my pleasure to accompany
him TO all his matches, TO watch every
ball he bowled, or played, or fielded. and
to sit chatting with him in the pavilion
when he was doing none of these three
things. You might have seen US there.
side by side, during the greater part of
the GentIenen's first innings against the
Players on the second Monday in July.
We were to be seen, but not heard. for
Raffies had failed to score. and was un-
commonly cross for a player who cared
so little for the game.
was therefore much surprised when
a young fellow of the exquisite type came
and squeezed himself in between US. and
met with a perfectly civil reception de-
spite the liberty. did not know the boy
by sight. nor did Raffles introduce us; but
tLeir conversation proclaimed at once a
sIightness of acquaintanceship and IL
cense on the lads part which combined
to puzzle me- Mystiscation reached its
height when Raffies was informed that
the others father was anxious to meet
MIN. and he instantly consented to crafty
that whim.
He's in the Ladies' Enclosure. VIII
you come round now?"
With pleasure" says Rafiles. Keep
A place for me, Bunny"
And they were gone.
Young Crowley" said some voice, far
TIL back. Last years Harrow eleven"
I remember him. Worst man in the
team"
The game WAS boring me 7 only came
to see old Raffios perform. Soon was
looking wistfully for his return, and at
length 1 saw him beckoning me from the
palings to the right.
Want to introduce you to old Amer
steth," he whispered, when 1 Joined him.
when this boy Crowley comes of age, and
we've both got to go DOWN and play"
Both / echoed. But I'm no crick-
eterr'
shut up" says Raffies. Leave that
TO me. I've been lying for all I'm WORTH
bottom of the steps. Il trust to you not
to give the show away
Lord Amersteth was a fine-looking man
with a short mustache and double chin
He received me with much dry courtesy,
through which. however, it was not diff
icuIt 20 read a less ALTERING tale. / was
accepted as the inevitable appendage of
the invaluable Rafles, with whom felt
deeply incensed as 1 made my bow.
Il have been bold enough" said Lord
Amersteth. Ito ask one of the Gentlemen
Of England to come down and play some
rustic cricket for us next month. He is
kind enough to say that he would have
liked nothing better, but for this little
fishing expedition of yours, Mr., Mr..
-" and Lord Amersteth succeeded in
remembering my name.
1t was, OF course, the first had ever
heard OF that fishing expedition, but I
made haste to say that it could easily,
and should certainly, be put of. Rafies
cleaned approval through his eyelashes
Lord Amersteth bowed and shrugged.
You're very good, I'm sure" said he
But I understand you're a cricketer
yourself?''
He was one at school," said Raffles, |
with infamous readiness.
Not real cricketer." was stammer-
ing meanwhile.
In the eleven?'' said Lord Amersteth. |
I'm afraid not" said I.
But only just out Of it," declared Raf- |
fes, to my horror.
well, well. We can't all play for the |
Gentlemen" said Lord Amersteth slyly. |
My son Crowley only Just scraped into |
the eleven at Harrow, and he's going to |
play. / may even come in myself at a |
pinch: so you won't be the only duffer,
If you are one, and I shall be very glad |
il you will come down and help us too |
You shall fog stream before breakfast
and after dinner. if you like"
81 should be very proud" Was begin
ming. as the mere prelude to resolute ex-
cuses: but the eye Of Raffies opened wide
upon me: and / hesitated weakly, to be
duly lost.
''Then that's settled" said Lord Amer
steth, with the slightest suspicion OF
grimncss. Then / rely on you both"
And, with a little nod. Lord Amersteth
rose and sided to the gangway.