THE VILLAGE CRICKET CLUB. 307 



stopt at the place, he had come to see the play. 

 One thing led to another, and they soon asked him 

 to give them a few balls. Then indeed were their 

 eyes opened, and for the first time they began 

 to perceive what they had not only to learn, 

 but to unlearn. Down went their wickets, like 

 corn before the sickle ; they never could get near 

 the ball ; if they played forward to it, it rose 

 and bruised their hands with terrific force; if 

 back, they were too late, and the prostrate stumps, 

 and flying bail showed them at once the talent 

 of their opponent, and the utter weakness of their 

 defence. Thus the evening past; wicket after 

 wicket fell; they were compleatly beaten, igno- 

 miniously defeated, stripped of their fine plumes, 

 and felt themselves to be but mere Tyros in their art. 

 4 Fennex was taken home to supper, the carousal 

 was prolonged till midnight, the great subject was 

 discussed; much conversation ensued; and at 

 length it was agreed that he should be taken into 

 the Ashleys" 1 house, and remain the season with 

 them. The effect of this judicious measure was 

 soon visible, and acquired only at the expense of 

 many lacerated fingers, and bruised legs, the 

 whole style of the play was altered, no more 

 slashing-play ; no swipes over the firs ; no hitting 

 across wicket. No ! all was now steady, scientific 

 and secure ; a reason, and a good one was assigned 

 for every movement ; and by the end of the season 



