DAYS STOLEN FOR SPORT 85 



there came an exchange of looks, and this revealed 

 the truth that every member of the company had 

 placed his hope of bringing a surprise in pumpkin 

 pie." 



There was no superabundance of any one confec- 

 tion at our picnic, but a variety, not strictly neces- 

 sary to stimulate our appetites. Of course Ted was 

 president he is hard to beat in that position and 

 laughter was loud and merry and seemed likely to 

 last well into the afternoon, had I not reminded 

 them there were rods to use and fish to catch. 

 Even then they seemed in no great hurry to 

 move. Jack was anxious to give a tip of an 

 expected boom which was likely to mean profit for 

 him and others on the Exchange. Ted turned to 

 his wife and said : "Jack and his booms! They're 

 rather like our stage banquets, Kate not over- 

 fattening." 



"Actors ever know," came the retort, "how to 

 play any part in life better than those whose part 

 it really is, and are always confident that they can 

 better their instruction. If you would but follow 

 my advice wholly, Ted, and not in part, as you 

 sometimes do, you would find enough to feed on. 

 When you have made a lucky hit, through lack of 

 confidence you put but little in, and, what is worse, 

 in total opposition to my advice, at the first rise, 

 you part instead of holding." 



"I agree with you, Jack," said Mrs Ted, "and 

 when he should have sold he has held, totally 

 against even my advice, until he has had a cheque 

 for a few shillings from the wreck at the wind-up." 



" Better a cheque for shillings," chimed in Mrs 

 Phil, "than postage stamps for pence. Eh, Phil? 



