He lashed out at every ball, and far flew every ball that was bowled.

The critics saw, in this return to his old practices, promise of Nick's approaching extinction.
The ladies were growing hot and weary.

The little boys gasped on the grass, but like cunning circulators of excitement, spread a report to keep it up, that Nick, on going to his wickets the previous day, had sworn an oath that he would not lay down his bat till he had scored a hundred.
So they had still matter to agitate their youthful breasts, and Nick's gradual building up of tens, and prophecies and speculations as to his chances of completing the hundred, were still vehemently confided to the field, amid a general mopping of faces.
Evan did become aware that a man was following him.

The man had not the look of a dreaded official.

His countenance was sun-burnt and open, and he was dressed in a countryman's holiday suit.