new of
him as a racketty, roystering sort of fellow, very popular with his own
set--and thought something of by the Den, on account of some recent
offences against monitorial authority.

"I say," said he to Dick, confidentially, "what do you say to belonging
to our Club?"

"What Club?" asked Dick, scenting some new distinction, and getting
light-headed in consequence.

"You'll promise not to go telling everybody," said Braider. "We're
called the 'Sociables,' It's a jolly enough lot. Only twenty of us, and
we have suppers and concerts once a week. The thing is, it's _awfully_
select, and a job to get into it. But your name was mentioned the other
day, and I fancy you'd get in."

"I suppose Georgie Heathcote isn't in it?" said Dick.

"Rather not!" said the other, mistaking his meaning; "he'd have no
chance."

"He's not a bad fellow," said Dick. "I wouldn't mind if he was on."

"Well, there are two vacancies. What do you say for one?"

"Do I know the other fellows?"

"Most of them," and Braider repeated a string of names, among which were
those of a few well-known heroes of the Fifth and Fourth.

"They're all jolly fellows," said Braider, "and, back up one another
like one o'clock. It was your plucky show up at Grandcourt that made
them think of having you; and if you join you'll just be in time for the
next concert. What do you say?"

Dick didn't like to say no; and not being a youth who dallied much
between the positive and the negative, he said:

"All serene, Braider, if they really want it."

"Of course they do, old man," said Braider, in tones of satisfaction;
"they'll be jolly glad. Mind you don't go talking about it to any one,
you know. They're very select, and don't want all Templeton wanting to
join."

"When's the election?" asked Dick.

"Oh! to-day week. There's one fellow, Culver, up against you; but he's
got no chance. One black ball in six excludes, so it's always a close
run."

"Do you think there would be any chance for young Heathcote?"

"Doubt it. But we might try when you're in. Ta, ta! old man. Mum's
the word."

Dick spent a troubled week. He was uncomfortable with Heathcote, in
whom he was bursting to confide. He was uneasy, too, in meeting the few
members of the "Sociables" whom he knew, and felt that they were
watching him critically, with a view to the election next Thursday. And
he was vindictive in the presence of Culver, whose possible rivalry he
regarde