“Very good decision, Biffin,” said Miss Grace, calmly patting down the turf to show that the ball had turned a bit. However, Nemesis waited on Miss Grace next ball. With another mighty swipe she fetched a real good one round like lightning, and the youthful T. S. M., fielding short-leg, jumping up, effected a wonderful one-handed catch. “Well, what a fluke!” cried Miss Grace; “that would have been the winning hit.” “But isn’t,” said Elphinstone, alias Toddles, cheerfully; “and Surrey have beaten Middlesex by two runs. First defeat of the champion county. Oh, Stoddy, why weren’t you steadier?” “Yes, why weren’t you steadier, Stoddy?” said Carteret. “’Cause I didn’t think there was anybody in this parish who could catch anything after yesterday’s exhibition,” said the famous Middlesex batsman dejectedly. “What’s the next fixture in the Middlesex list?” asked Captain George. “Middlesex _v._ Gloucestershire at Cheltenham,” said Miss Grace. “Same sides. Let’s toss for innings.” “You’ve got a man more than we, though,” said T. S. M. “As you play for Harrow, Tommy, you count two you know,” said Miss Grace. “Hullo, there’s Dimsdale here,” cried H. C., as his eye lit on me. “He’s just the man we want for Gloucester. Go round, Dimsdale, to the gate.” A minute later I was on the Rectory lawn, and preparing to engage in my first county match. “As it’s Gloucestershire,” said George the kindly, “somebody’ll have to represent the Old Man. Now Grace herself is the only one with any pretensions to do that. Suppose Middlesex swaps her for me?” “Ripping good idea!” said that celebrated person eagerly. “That’s stunning! Biffin, just go and fetch me that red and yellow cap, while I go out and toss with Mr. Stoddart.” CHAPTER XII My First County Match MIDDLESEX won the toss, and elected to go in. Archie put on his pads and went in first, on a distinctly creditable wicket. Grace captained Gloucestershire, of course. “As Roberts is suffering from a strain,” said she, “and Charlie Townsend’s lost his length, and Jessop’s a bit on the short side at present, I think I’d better try myself to start with. Besides, I can get old Archie out.” She began with very slow, high-tossed, half volleys. Considering that Archie was one of the most powerful hitters in England, this proceeding on the part of W. G. savoured of cool cheek. “These are no use, you know,” said the batsman, driving one terrifically hard along the ground for a big single. “You hit ’em and see,” said the wily bowler. “If you do, Archie, sure as a gun you’ll put ’em through the library windows.”