Chapter I

_Philip Renwick to Charles Holcombe._
Room 99, X.Y.Z. Offices,
Whitehall,
_8th August, 1914._

DEAR CHARLIE,--Can you possibly turn out for us on Thursday next _v_. Paddlewick? We lost to them rather heavily in May last and are anxious to give them a sound beating. Their fast bowler is playing for them again, I hear, and we absolutely rely on your help. Can you get off for the day?

Yours ever, P. R.