‘And that is?’ asked Edgar.
‘The honour of the game, and the honour of his side when he captains a team,’ said Robert Foster.
The final test match was to be played at Lord’s, and the greatest interest was manifested in the result. Throughout England enthusiastic cricketers waxed eloquent over the forthcoming struggle. In Australia every item of news was eagerly read and discussed. It might safely be said that millions of people anxiously awaited the result of this great match. The picking of the England eleven was a difficult task, but at last it was done, and Robert Foster could not find a fault with the team.
‘They ought to beat you, Edgar,’ he said. ‘It is the best team that could have been selected. Grace has had a large finger in that pie, and no fault can be found with it. I cannot pick out a weak spot.’
‘They have not won yet,’ said Edgar; ‘and all our men are in splendid trim. Murch is sanguine, and he’s not given to over-estimate our chances. Lord’s has been our unlucky ground, but that is no reason why we should not prove successful.’
‘What a sight it will be!’ said Robert Foster. ‘I hope you will pile up a big score.’
‘So do I,’ replied Edgar. ‘This is my chance, and I shall do my best.’
The great match was to commence on Monday, and on the Sunday quite a party of cricketers assembled at Elm Lodge. Will Murch, Bannman, Black, Royle of the Australians, and two of the English team enjoyed Robert Foster’s hospitality and listened to the yarns spun by Ben Brody.
Muriel Wylde and her mother were in London for the match, and came to spend the day at Elm Lodge. Muriel and Doris were great friends, and found much to talk about. It was an eventful Sunday, this day before the great match, which formed almost the sole topic of conversation. Many were the surmises as to who would make the big scores, and which bowler would secure the best average.
‘We count upon you this time,’ said Murch to Edgar. ‘It is your turn to knock up a big score against England.’