Had Been There, Too.

Otago Witness, Issue 2372, 17 August 1899, Page 63

Had Been There, Too.

A well-known county crieketei is fond of relating the following little story, though the laugh is decidedly against himself : On one occasion he visited a certain seaside resort with his team. Early on the third morning of the match he was taking a constitutional on the sands when he was recognised by a group of youngsters, who were engaged in playing cricket. -At their request he consented to bowl down a ball or two. He took several wickets in a ■very little time, after which the youngsters suggested that he should have his innings. •He agreed, and the game came to an abrupt conclusion, as he managed to break the bat in playing the very first ball he received. The youngsters looked very down-hearted, but brightened up considerably on receipt of five shillings with which to buy a new bat. Later in the day the gentleman chanced to refer to the incident. To his astonishment, the other members of the team thought it •very funny, and laughed. "I can't see what there is to laugh about," Ire began. " Well, you see," explained the captain of the team, "we happen to know that bat. I broke it on Monday morning, G here broke it again on Tuesday, and tho smart youths have sold you on the Wednesday morning. They must have made a good &urn out of that bat."