Page:The Hambledon Men (1907).djvu/123

 He was the first I had seen of the new school, after the Walkers had attempted to introduce the system in the Hambledon Club. Wells frequently pitched his balls to the off-side of the wicket to Freemantle's left-handed hitting, who got in before the wicket, and hit the thrower's bowling behind him. Now, had he missed the ball, and it had hit his leg, although before the wicket, he would not have been out, because it had been pitched at the outside of the off-stump. I mention this trifling circumstance to show the knowledge the latter had of the game.

Andrew Freemantle's fielding was very fair; his post was generally the long field. He, however, must be so well known to many of the Mary-le-bone men now living that I need enumerate no more of the peculiar characteristics of his playing.

Next comes that deservedly esteemed character, son, and worthy successor, to the celebrated batter of the same name. He, as well as his father, was a native of Petersfield. Young Small was a very handsomely made man. For perfect symmetry of form, and well-knit, compact limbs and frame, his father was one of the finest models of a man I ever beheld; and the son was little inferior to him in any respect. Jack Small! my old club fellow! when the fresh and lusty May-tide of life sent the blood gamboling through our veins like a Spring runlet, we have had many a good bout together:

and yours have, doubtless, bleached under the cold hand of mayhap three score winters and more; but the churl has not yet touched the citadel. My heart is as sound as ever, and beats regular and true time to the tune of old and grateful thoughts for long