f bowlers and fielders which surround him! He takes his
time to get comfortably settled at his wicket, and kneels down to
tighten a shoestring, as if nobody was waiting for him. Then pulling
down the peak of his cap to shade his eyes from the sun, he leisurely
turns his face to the bowler, and announces himself ready for the worst
that desperate character can do to him.

We watched breathlessly the result of his first over, and with an
excitement strangely in contrast with the indifferent and apparently
careless demeanour of the batsman himself. It was soon apparent,
however, that we might dismiss all anxiety from our minds as to his
safety, for he set briskly to work, punishing every ball that came to
him, yet never giving a single chance. I have rarely seen such good
"all-round play." Unlike the Westfield captain, who was strong only on
the leg side of the wicket, he was thoroughly at home from whatever side
the attack was delivered. Some balls he hit to "leg," and some he cut
with terrific force past "cover-point." No ball came amiss to him; he
was up to "twisters," and "lobs," and "thunderbolts," and walked into
them all with faultless dexterity.

Up went our score. Twenty grew to forty, and forty to fifty. It was
all a matter of time now. If the five remaining men still to go in
could together make a stand long enough to enable him to overtake the
enemy's score, he would assuredly do it, unless some unforeseen accident
prevented it. Of these five I was next in order; nor was it long before
my turn arrived, and I found myself sallying forth to join my captain at
the wickets. Remembering the poor figure I had cut in the first
innings, I was not very sanguine of distinguishing myself on this
occasion. Still, there was something in being opposite Steel which gave
me confidence, and relieved me of the nervous sensations which marked my
late _debut_.

The first ball or two after my arrival fell to the lot of Steel, who
sent them flying promptly, and gave me some running to do in
consequence. This helped still more to make me comfortable, so that
when at last my turn came to be bowled at, I experienced none of the
desolate feeling which had rendered my former brief innings so unhappy.

I manage to block the first ball, and the second also. Then comes a
third, under which I contrive to get my bat and send it flying.

"Come!" shouts Steel, and I run.

"Another!" he cries; and I run again, and am safe ba