Send Out the Fast Bowler (Short Story from In-Class Writing)

"What is the purpose of this?"

"What?"

"What is the purpose of this?"  Holmes asked, waving a large, flat bat in the air in a manner that some would consider dangerous.

"That's the bat, Holmes," Watson said, exasperated.

"I know it's the bat, Watson," Holmes said, equally exasperated, but with a touch of haughty contempt.  "I mean this.  This field.  This game.  What is the purpose of it?"

"It's a game.  It's fun.  It's good exercise.  Just do it for your health."

"I'm perfectly healthy.  In fact, I'd wager I'm healthier than you are, Watson."

"Fine, Holmes.  Then the purpose of this is to humor me.  Now, you stand in front of the wicket, and try to hit this ball when I bowl it by you."

Holmes struck the very first ball Watson threw him.  It finally landed at least a hundred yards away.

"I feel I have mastered cricket," Holmes said, sauntering off the pitch.

"I really need to teach you to fence, Watson."