The cup went to Merevale's that year. The Babe played a singularly brilliant game for them.


8 — THE MANOEUVRES OF CHARTERIS

Chapter 1

'Might I observe, sir—'

'You may observe whatever you like,' said the referee kindly. 'Twenty-five.'

'The rules say—'

'I have given my decision. Twenty-five!' A spot of red appeared on the official cheek. The referee, who had been heckled since the kick-off, was beginning to be annoyed.

'The ball went behind without bouncing, and the rules say—'