Page:Cricket, by WG Grace.djvu/143

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CRICKET IN MY MANHOOD.
135

bowled in the match. I was rather disappointed by it also; for there was a tremendous crowd present, and the wicket and the weather were perfect. "Keep up your heart, H. H.," I said; "I shall take care that it does not occur in the second innings." Fortunately the weather kept favourable all through, and I started my second innings about 4.30 the second day. After the first over or two I began to hit at a rare pace, and I paid particular attention to J. C. Shaw. At the close of the day's play my score was 142 not out, and only two wickets had fallen for 195. Stephenson was happy that night; and he was happier next morning, when the sun shone brilliantly and another large crowd came to witness the finish. I was out for 268, in a total of 436, at 4 o'clock on the third day, and had hit three 5's and twenty-eight 4's. Stephenson was immensely pleased, and presented me with a gold ring.

The Gentlemen v. Players was the match on behalf of John Lillywhite. It was played on the old Hove Ground at Brighton, 14th, 15th and 16th August, in splendid weather; and with the third ball of the match J. C. Shaw clean-bowled me. Lillywhite's heart was sad indeed, particularly as he it was who gave me out l.b.w. to Shaw in the first innings of Stephenson's match.

"I am terribly sorry, Lillywhite," I said; "I did want to do well for you."

"Better luck next time!" he replied.

I cannot explain it; but, personally, I was not hopeful, and said so. Lillywhite did not share my misgivings; for he took two sovereigns out of his pocket, put them into my hand, and said:

"You take these, and pay me a sixpence back for every run you make in the second innings. I call it a fair bet."

It was the greatest compliment I have ever had paid