“’Never heard of such a thing before,” said the Secretary, with a puzzled air, “as a side having two wicket-keepers. H.C. must be a blooming hurricane. But I’m not quite sure whether this is altogether legal. Who’s got a copy of the rules?”
“Why, what are you fellows up to?” demanded Captain George from the other side, gazing earnestly at Halliday’s pads and mine.
“The very thing I want to ask you,” said Halliday.
“We’re waiting for you to take the field,” said Trentham; “the umpires have been out some time.”
“We are quite ready when you are,” said Halliday.
“We’ve been ready the last five minutes.”
“Then why don’t you go out?”
“How can we go out until you are in the field?”
The position of Halliday’s jaw announced that he was completely at a loss.
“Anyway,” said he, “what are Elphinstone and Archie doing with their pads on?”