She had not been used to have her problems so readily answered, and appeared to discover a suspicion of rudeness in the boy's speech which called for a set-down.
"I do not understand what you mean by a `pull,' Mr Fairbairn," said she, sternly.
"Why," replied Fairbairn, who was really interested in the subject, and quite pleased to be drawn out on so congenial a topic, "it's almost as important to get to know the play of your own men as to know the play of your opponents.

For instance, when we all know Bloomfield's balls break a bit to the off, we generally know whereabouts in the field to expect them if they are taken; and when Porter goes on with slows every one knows to stand in close and look out for catches." "Yes," said Bloomfield, gaining sudden courage by the example of his comrade, "that's just where Rockshire were weak.

They were always shifting about their field and bowlers.

I'm certain they had scarcely played together once." "And," added Riddell, also taking heart of grace, and entering into the humour of the situation--"and they seemed to save up their good bowlers for the end, instead of beginning with them.

All our hitting men got the easy bowling, and the others, who were never expected to score in any case, were put out by the good." "In this respect, you see," continued Fairbairn, addressing Miss Stringer, "a school eleven always get the pull of a scratch team." Miss Stringer, who during this conversation had been growing manifestly uncomfortable, vouchsafed no reply, but, turning to her sister, said, with marked formality, "My dear, were the Browns at home when you called this afternoon ?" "I regret to say they were out," replied Mrs Patrick, with a withering glance round the table.
"Of course, it depends, too," said Bloomfield, replying to Fairbairn's last question and giving him an imperceptible sly kick under the table, "on whether it's early or late in the season.