24. The croquet is completed when the mallet makes a perceptible blow against the croqueting ball; but if the mallet altogether miss it, the blow may be repeated.
The blow is perceptible if an audible sound is made, whether the croqueted ball move or not.
Case.—A player in croqueting claims to have hit his foot; the croqueted ball, however, has moved from its place. Can he restore it and repeat the blow? No. The claim should not be allowed, for it is impossible to tell in such cases whether the ball was hit or only the foot. If it be necessary to get the other ball out of the way, he must drive it by concussion with his own.
25. If the player's ball flinch in executing the croquet he forfeits the remainder of his tour, and no point made by a flinching ball is valid.
Case.—A flinching ball rests under the arch of its proper bridge, having come from the front. Is it in position? No. If the complete run is illegal, the partial run is also, as in the case of moving a ball to croquet.
26. If a ball be driven out of the arena, it must be brought within it, and placed one foot from the boundary at the nearest point.
This rule is on the supposition that the arena is of the standard dimensions or something near it. If from the imperfections of the ground the boundaries at any place approach too near the stakes or bridges, this rule must be modified so that a ball shall not materially alter its position with reference to the bridges, stakes, or other balls. Under the same limitations it may be removed one foot from a tree or other obstacle. The ball should be placed immediately.
Case.—A's ball is played against a tree. If B roquet it he cannot croquet it, or play his ball afterwards to advantage. Can he compel A to place his ball? Yes; but not so that B's position after the roquet shall be improved. If this were not so ruled, an obstacle would often be made a refuge. Cases of this kind often arise on imperfect grounds. They must be settled like cases in equity; as fairly as possible for each side, and so that neither can take advantage of technicalities.
27. If a player misplay, and the enemy challenge him before allowing the play of another ball, they have the option of replacing the misplaying ball and any which may have been moved in their former positions, or allowing any or all of them to remain in the positions to which they have rolled. And no point made by a misplaying ball, if properly challenged, is valid, except at their option.
The option belongs to the enemy of the players and not of the ball. If the challenge be made as soon as possible, though another ball is played at the same time, the requirements of the rule are satisfied.