what?" was the evasive reply.

"Win," said the other.

"How do I know?" was our captain's curt answer.

If there was one thing that annoyed Steel above others, it was to be
asked foolish questions.

He sent in two steady men first, with orders not to be in a hurry to
score, but to "break the back" of the bowling. And this advice they
faithfully acted upon. For over after over there was nothing but
blocking. In vain the bowlers strained every nerve to get round or
under those stubborn bats. They could not do it! Runs came few and far
between--the field had nothing to do--and altogether the game became
very monotonous. But those fellows did better service to our side than
many who scored more and played in more brilliant style. We could see
their prolonged stand was not without its effect on the Westfield
bowlers. Their bowling became less and less steady, and their style
seemed to lose its precision, as ball after ball fell hopelessly off
those obstinate bats. This was evidently just what Steel wanted, and we
could tell by his frequent "Played, sir!" how thoroughly he approved of
the steady discipline of his men. After a time the very monotony of the
game seemed to excite the spectators, who answered each neat "block"
with a cheer, which showed they, too, could appreciate the tactics of
our captain.

It was getting desperate for Westfield, and humiliating too, when one of
their bowlers happened to change his style. Instead of the slashing
round-arm balls which he had hitherto sent in, he suddenly and without
warning put in an underhand lob--an easy, slow, tempting ball,
apparently bound to rise exactly on the player's bat.

Our man fell into the snare. I could hear Steel, who was near me,
groan, as we watched him lift the bat which had till now remained so
well under control, and stepping forward prepare for a terrific "slog."
Alas! the deceitful ball never rose at all, but pitching quietly a foot
before the crease, shot forward along the ground, and found its way at
last to the wicket, amid the tremendous shouts of all the crowd.

A parting being thus made between the two steady partners, the survivor,
as is so often the case, did not long remain behind his companion, and
when Steel went in, three wickets had already fallen with only fifteen
runs.

Will our captain save us from defeat? See him stand coolly at the
wicket--how sure of himself he seems!--how indifferent to that imposing
combination o