"That's the ticket," cried Timmis--"consider yourself elected; I can
carry any thing there. I'm quite the cock of the walk, and no mistake.
Next Thursday's a field-day--I'll introduce you. Lord! you'll soon be
right as a trivet."

Mr Wallis was summoned, and the affair was soon arranged; and I had the
gratification of being present at Mr. Crobble's inauguration.

It was a broiling day, and there was a full field; but he conducted
himself manfully, notwithstanding the jokes of the club. He batted
exceedingly well, "considering," as Mr. Wallis remarked; but as for the
"runs," he was completely at fault.

He only attempted it once; but before he had advanced a yard or two, the
ball was caught; and the agile player, striking the wicket with ease,
exclaimed, amid the laughter of the spectators--"Out! so don't fatigue
yourself, I beg, sir."

And so the match was concluded, amid cheers and shouting, in which the
rotund, good-natured novice joined most heartily.




CHAPTER VIII.--The Hunter.

"Hunting may be sport, says I, but I'm blest if its pleasure."