150 THE COMPLETE SPORTSMAN 



acquainted if he desires to be regarded as an 

 attractive partner or a tolerable opponent. 



When two second-class players start out 

 together from the club-house to enjoy a friendly 

 match, it is always considered proper for each 

 of them to deprecate his own skill, and express 

 modest doubts as to his ability to provide his 

 companion with a good game. 



" I don't feel as if I should be able to hit the 

 ball at all to-day," he murmurs diffidently. " I 

 haven't played for weeks." 



" Nor I," replies his friend. " I expect you'll 

 beat me hollow. I've got a groggy elbow, too." 



"I'm sorry to hear that," says the first. 

 " To tell you the truth, I'm not feeling very 

 fit myself. We sat up playing bridge last night 

 till any hour, and " 



" I never sleep well in this place; I don't know 

 why it is, I'm sure. And with my groggy 

 elbow " 



" You ought to give me a stroke a hole, at 

 least " 



" My dear chap ! What's your handicap ?" 



" I don't believe I've got one. I play so 

 little. What's yours ?" 



" Mine ? Oh, mine's anything between 

 eighteen and twenty. And then with my 

 groggy elbow " 



" How do you and Jones play together ?" 



