‘If you go on at this rate,’ said Robert Foster, ‘it will put a very different complexion on the game. Your men always did play a good uphill fight.’
‘And will do so to-day,’ said Edgar. ‘By Jove! that was a narrow shave.’
Bannman made a miss-hit, and the ball went near to the fielder at point, but he just failed to hold it, although he touched it.
When the second day’s play ended, Murch and Bannman were not out, and the score stood at one hundred and thirty, of which number Will Murch had made eighty-four.
CHAPTER XXVI.
AN UPHILL GAME.
The brilliant stand made by the Australian captain and Bannman caused intense excitement, and the attendance on the final day of the match was enormous. Hundreds of people who anticipated a tame finish, and a one-sided affair, changed their opinions upon reading the score in the morning papers. Contrary to expectation, the third day’s play promised to be the most interesting of all.
When Murch and Bannman commenced again, every stroke was followed with interest. Runs came freely, and Bannman was not disposed of until he had made seventy. Then Edgar Foster joined his captain, and the reception he received on going to the wicket proved his father’s prowess in the field was not forgotten. Foster, in days gone by, was a name to conjure by, and people remembered Robert Foster’s feats with the bat.
Muriel Wylde felt anxious, and whispered to Doris Foster:
‘I do hope Edgar will make a score.’
‘He will try to do so, because he knows it will give you pleasure,’ said Doris.