Talbot Baines Reed

“ The rod was not his, and what was worse, it was (so Cripps said) a rod of extraordinary excellence and value. Loman had his doubts now about this. A first-rate top-piece would bend nearly double and then not break, and a reel that broke at the least pressure could hardly be of the best kind. Still, Cripps thought a lot of it, and Loman had undoubtedly himself alone to blame for the accidents which had occurred. As it was, the rod was now useless. He knew there was no place in Maltby where he could get it repaired, and it was hardly to be expected that Cripps would take it back. ”

“ And yet that one effort of self-restraint was not altogether an unmanly act. At least, so thought Wraysford that night, as he lay meditating upon his friend’s troubles, and found himself liking him none the less for this latest singular piece of eccentricity. ”

“ Cripps said I could pay in June, when I get my next pocket-money.”
“What on earth has he to do with when you get your pocket-money?” demanded Oliver. “Who is this young Cripps? He’s a cad, isn’t he?”
“He seemed a very nice man,” said Stephen.
“Well, look here! the less you have to do with men like him the better. What is the price of the bat?”
“I don’t know; it’s one Mr. Cripps had himself when he was a boy. He says it’s a beauty! I say, it looks as good as new, Oliver.” ”