llows have been, we should have a decided pull on
them."

Miss Stringer regarded the speaker critically. She had not been used to
have her problems so readily answered, and appeared to discover a
suspicion of rudeness in the boy's speech which called for a set-down.

"I do not understand what you mean by a `pull,' Mr Fairbairn," said
she, sternly.

"Why," replied Fairbairn, who was really interested in the subject, and
quite pleased to be drawn out on so congenial a topic, "it's almost as
important to get to know the play of your own men as to know the play of
your opponents. For instance, when we all know Bloomfield's balls break
a bit to the off, we generally know whereabouts in the field to expect
them if they are taken; and when Porter goes on with slows every one
knows to stand in close and look out for catches."

"Yes," said Bloomfield, gaining sudden courage by the example of his
comrade, "that's just where Rockshire were weak. They were always
shifting about their field and bowlers. I'm certain they had scarcely
played together once."

"And," added Riddell, also taking heart of grace, and entering into the
humour of the situation--"and they seemed to save up their good bowlers
for the end, instead of beginning with them. All our hitting men got
the easy bowling, and the others, who were never expected to score in
any case, were put out by the good."

"In this respect, you see," continued Fairbairn, addressing Miss
Stringer, "a school eleven always get the pull of a scratch team."

Miss Stringer, who during this conversation had been growing manifestly
uncomfortable, vouchsafed no reply, but, turning to her sister, said,
with marked formality, "My dear, were the Browns at home when you called
this afternoon?"

"I regret to say they were out," replied Mrs Patrick, with a withering
glance round the table.

"Of course, it depends, too," said Bloomfield, replying to Fairbairn's
last question and giving him an imperceptible sly kick under the table,
"on whether it's early or late in the season. If we were to play them
in August they would know their own play as well as we know ours."

"Only," chimed in Riddell, "these county teams don't stick to the same
elevens as regularly as a school does."

"My dear, have you done your tea?" inquired Mrs Patrick's voice across
the table.

"Yes. Shall I ring?" said the doctor.

"Allow me," said Fairbairn, rising hastily, and nearly knocking over
Miss Stringe