Every vigorous hit of White’s, even if it soared skyward, was cheered with loud cries of “Good old Moles!” Every time his unpardonable catches were dropped, the acclamations were lost in laughter.  And when with a splendid stroke he lifted the score over the Masters’ total and into three figures, White enjoyed the triumph of his school career.

By this time there was collected behind the railings that surround Kensingtowe a fine crowd of carters and cabmen, who had “woahed” their horses and were standing on their boxes, enjoying an excellent view.  They had no idea what the match was, or who were winning, but every time they heard the boys begin to cheer, they waved their hats, brandished their whips, and cheered and whistled as well.  The excellent fellows only knew that the great crowd of young gents was happy, and were benignantly pleased to share their happiness.

White made his fifty and was bowled in attempting the most abominable of blind-swipes.  He returned towards the pavilion, so far forgetting himself in his pleasure as to swing about his bat like a tennis-racket.  What thunderous applause he received!  It was his last term, and his last match.  And I am glad that the final picture, which our memory preserves of White alive, shows us the sterling oaf departing after a glorious innings, surrounded by uproarious school-fellows, and smiling as only the righteous can.  Grand old boy, may we meet many more like you!

By a quarter to five the School total had reached the astonishing figure of 350.  To this I had contributed 4, with which I was very satisfied, as it was four more than I expected.  Lancaster declared, and the school by its applause endorsed the decision.

Now, how did the position stand?  Stumps were to be drawn at 7.30.  To save the innings defeat the Masters must score over 250 in two hours and a half.  An impossible achievement—­a hundred to one on an innings defeat!  But would they all be bowled out in the little time left?  With luck, and Honion in form, yes.  And luck was with us, and Honion in great form this afternoon.  Oh, a thousand to one on an innings defeat!

Sec.5

The School took the field without unnecessary delay, and Radley opened the Masters’ innings.  They were going to make a fight of it, then.  But the School had set its heart on the innings victory, and the team had the moral strength derived from the concentrated determination of six hundred boys.  What had the Masters to oppose this?  Nothing save Radley and a handful of tarnished Blues.