“At last!” sighed poor Miss Grace. She was just a little bit premature, however. Being between them, both men immediately started for the catch; then each observing the other coming, both stopped together and stood stock still, each politely saying “Your ball!” at the same moment, whilst the ball in question dropped harmlessly to earth. The great British Public rivalled Swift for pungency that minute. Poor Miss Grace, however, grew positively white. “I shall give ’em up,” she said. There was soon a new matter to absorb the attention of the speculative. Would Halliday make 200? It was a feat that had still to be accomplished in Little Clumpton _v._ Hickory. But as this is an age of record-breaking, it was quite expected of our captain that he should do something to maintain the traditions of his generation. He rose to the occasion. Hitting out, without favour and without fear, he soon set all doubts at rest. A strong off-drive gave him his second century. “Have a cigarette, Miss Trentham,” said I, passing her the case. She was not a young person who gave one the impression of being greatly troubled with “nerves”; but it was plain that 309 for one wicket had thrown the few she had into a state of open mutiny. “Don’t smoke,” Miss Grace said. “Should rather have thought you would,” said I mischievously. “No,” said she with great sobriety; “it’s a bad thing for condition. Besides, I’ve four brothers to consider. And when they do get stale, I don’t like ’em to say it’s my fault. I always try to do the straight thing by ’em, and set ’em a good example.” “They invariably follow it, of course?” “Well, no,” said Miss Grace reluctantly, “not always. But you know,” she added quickly, “they’re really pretty decent sorts when you get to know their little ways. If you feed ’em well and fetch their slippers for ’em, and you let ’em have breakfast when they like, and you don’t lecture ’em too much, you can get ’em to do almost anything. And if Archie and Charlie have got anything big on, they’re just as good as gold. Hullo, Charlie’s going on again. Why don’t he go on permanently?” CHAPTER X The End of the Day CHARLIE’S second ball was one of his best breakbacks. The Captain in his carelessness played a bit outside it. Back went his off stick. At last the great partnership was dissolved. 312 for two, last man, 204. 301 had been added for the wicket, which beat by 37 the record partnership of Barclay and Perkins in 1882. Barclay’s 178 made on that occasion, the previous individual best, was also superseded. As the hero ran into the pavilion, the crowd simply rose at him. The Pessimist succeeded. He was very correct, watchful, and resourceful. Charlie smashed a yorker at him to begin with, but the Pessimist had heard of such things before. It takes more than a common yorker to discompose a county man. Presently the Ancient so far forgot himself as to indulge in a drive for four. “Has he got his fifty yet?” I asked.