Jasper County Democrat, Volume 10, Number 15, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 July 1907 — Why Bill Was Umpire. [ARTICLE]

Why Bill Was Umpire.

A cricket match was being played in a meadow- adjacent to Farmer Cowstick’s orchard, and the worthy agriculturist Was at the wicket. There had been great difficulty about an umpire for this match, and when a boy from the local school for young gentlemen volunteered to act he was gladly accepted. Presently, to all appearances, the farmer was run out, but the umpire said no; and in the next over he was obviously stumped, but still the decision was in his favor, much to the wicket keeper’s disgust. Then when the farmer had compiled over fifty runs, he was palpably “leg before.” “’Ow’s that?” called the bowler. The youthful umpire hesitated over his decision and looked uncomfortable, with a nervous glance over his shoulder in the direction of the orchard. Then a juvenile voice hurtled across the meadow from the direction of the lane: “You can, give the old bloke ‘out’ now, Billy—we’ve got all the plums we want!” The farmer didn’t wait for the official decision, nor did the umpire stay to give it—London Telegraph.