Punch/Volume 147/Issue 3815/Middlecombe v. Paddlewick
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 head, and we absolutely rely on your help. Can you get off for the day?
Yours ever, P. R.
II.
Charles Holcombe to Philip Renwick.
Room 83, P.Q.R. Offices,
9th August, 1914.
My Dear Phil,—Thanks for yours. Will try to manage it next Thursday, but am doubtful. My chief, though a capable official, is no sport, and I anticipate difficulties. I had a day off only two weeks ago for cricket. Will do my best.
Thine, C. H.
III.
Charles Holcombe to Philip Renwick.
P.Q.R.
10th August, 1914.
My Dear Phil,—Awfully sorry; no luck re Thursday. Boss hopeless. I broached the matter this morning (without actually asking for permission), but I fear the worst. You had better get another man for the Paddlewick match. So sorry.
Yours ever, Charlie Holcombe.
IV.
Philip Renwick to Charles Holcombe.
X.Y.Z.
10th August, 1914.
My Dear Charlie,—We shall be absolutely in the cart without you. They've got an awfully hot fast bowler. Bartram now tells me he can't possibly turn out, and you are the only really decent bat I know. We simply can't lose to Paddlewick again—we shall never hear the last of it. (No one need know that you don't play regularly for Middlecombe.) Do try your best, old man. Mightn't your Aunt Martha be seriously ill?
Yours ever, Phil.
V.
Charles Holcombe to Philip Renwick
(wire).
Aunt Martha dying. All well. Boss absent Thursday, so can explain to him afterwards. Holcombe.
VI.
Philip Renwick to Charles Holcombe
(wire).
Good boy. Funeral 11.30. Train Paddington 10.5. Lunch 1.30. Draw 6.30. Philip.
VII.
Charles Holcombe to Philip Renwick.
Room 83, P.Q.R. Offices,
14th August.
My Dear Phil,—I regret that I was forced to leave somewhat hurriedly after the game last night. I have nothing to add to what I told you at lunch as to the identity of the Paddlewick Spofforth with my chief, of whose sporting talent I was in ignorance. But if you should hear of a good berth going anywhere I should be extraordinarily grateful.
Yours ever, Charlie Holcombe.
P.S.—It was doubly unfortunate (in a way) that I should have scored a six and three fours in one over from his bowling.