“You’ve got a man more than we, though,” said T. S. M.
“As you play for Harrow, Tommy, you count two you know,” said Miss Grace.
“Hullo, there’s Dimsdale here,” cried H. C., as his eye lit on me. “He’s just the man we want for Gloucester. Go round, Dimsdale, to the gate.”
A minute later I was on the Rectory lawn, and preparing to engage in my first county match.
“As it’s Gloucestershire,” said George the kindly, “somebody’ll have to represent the Old Man. Now Grace herself is the only one with any pretensions to do that. Suppose Middlesex swaps her for me?”
“Ripping good idea!” said that celebrated person eagerly. “That’s stunning! Biffin, just go and fetch me that red and yellow cap, while I go out and toss with Mr. Stoddart.”
CHAPTER XII
My First County Match
MIDDLESEX won the toss, and elected to go in. Archie put on his pads and went in first, on a distinctly creditable wicket. Grace captained Gloucestershire, of course.
“As Roberts is suffering from a strain,” said she, “and Charlie Townsend’s lost his length, and Jessop’s a bit on the short side at present, I think I’d better try myself to start with. Besides, I can get old Archie out.”
She began with very slow, high-tossed, half volleys. Considering that Archie was one of the most powerful hitters in England, this proceeding on the part of W. G. savoured of cool cheek.