The Long Walk continued . . .

Prompt to time, my dad was waiting at Haven Green for me. I never had any fear that he would not be there or let me down. The sun was shining and we sat on our usual seat. I did not wait for dad to ask questions. I poured out the full story.

"Here's another 9d, dad for that rainy day."

"Did your Aunt Kate say that your Aunt Emma had called?"

"Yes, dad."

"That's no surprise. The tale never loses by the telling."

Little more was said. We both seemed in a dream. I must have gone to sleep which dad did little to disturb. Coming back to life I heard dad talking to a man. He was stern and well built and did not seem very nice and kind. He left rather abruptly.

When he was out of sight dad said, "He's a detective. I knew him when he was a common copper. He wanted to know the top and bottom of Meg's behind."

"That's a funny thing to say dad."

"Oh, yes, it's just a saying son."

My dad seemed sad and thinking deep. Somehow he wanted to stay on Haven Green as long as possible. And I always accepted his ruling.

We watched a boy flying his kite, others playing cricket. The ball came alongside me several times and I rolled it back.

"Can you bowl?" said one of the boys.

"Yes," was my answer.

"Take the ball, mate," he said, not knowing I had played for Somerville Road Schools.

Very soon I got the feel of the ball and the wickets began to fall.

The game ended with the words, "We wish you played for our school."

Returning to dad, he was smiling and said,

"W G Grace would have treated your bowling with respect."

"Who is he?" I said.

"The greatest batsman the world has produced." was the reply.

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