It was also becoming
more and more evident that the tournament could not possibly be
finished in the time allotted to it. The secretary had spent the
morning urging the players not to waste time. It particularly annoyed
him to see that Simpkins' two ladies had stopped playing.
"What's the matter?" he said. "Why the--I mean to say, why on earth
don't you go on with your game?"
"I'm sorry to interrupt the proceedings," said Meldon, "but it is
imperatively necessary for me to have a few words in private with
Simpkins."
The secretary turned on Simpkins at once. He was one of the people who
had grumbled most loudly and continuously about his handicap. He had
also wasted time by raising obscure points of law on two occasions.
The secretary had conceived a strong dislike for him.
"Why don't you go," he said, "and hear what this gentleman has to say?
I'll get another umpire."
"He hasn't anything to say to me," said Simpkins.
"He says he has," said the secretary, "and he ought to know."
"Quite right," said Meldon. "I'm the only person who does know.
Simpkins can't be really certain that I haven't until he comes and
listens.
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