s, wouldn't it be well for someone to propose and second it?"

Whereupon Braider proposed and someone else seconded the proposal, which
was put to the meeting with due solemnity and carried unanimously.

"Now," said the Hermit, slowly divesting himself of his coat when the
ceremony was concluded, "I'm at your service, Bull."

There was breathless silence for a moment as all eyes turned on the ex-
monitor.

The blushes had left his cheeks, and a pallor rather whiter than usual
was there in their place. He stood, in a fascinated sort of way,
watching Freckleton as he rolled the sleeves up above his elbows and
divested himself of his collar. He had never imagined the "dark man"
would face him, still less challenge him thus before the whole Club.

The coward's heart failed him when the moment came. He didn't like the
look of things. For an instant the crimson rushed back to his face,
then, turning his back, he walked away.

Instantly a storm of hissing and hooting rose from the club, such as had
rarely been heard in the walls of Templeton. None are so indignant at
cowards as those who are not quite sure of their own heroism, and Bull
found it out.

"Do I understand," said Freckleton, as soon as he could get in a word,
"that the Bull declines?"

The Bull made no answer.

"He funks it. Turn him out!" cried Gosse.

The Hermit could not prevent a smile.

"Does anyone second Mr Gosse's motion?"

"I do," shouted Spokes, amid derisive laughter.

"Then," said Freckleton, opening the door, "we needn't detain you, Bull,
unless, on second thoughts--"

Bull slunk out, followed by another howl, which drowned the Hermit's
words. When he had gone the latter put on his coat, and, walking up to
the chair, which Spokes had prudently vacated, called the club to order
and said:--

"Gentlemen,--I beg to thank you for appointing me your president. I
know it will be hard to follow worthily in the footsteps of the
gentleman who has just left the room--(groans)--and of the gentleman who
has just vacated this chair, leaving some of his sweetness behind him.
(Derisive cheers.) Still, I would like to do something to help make
this club a credit. I think we might look over the rules and see if we
can get anything in which will keep cowards and cads out of the club.
Of course that wouldn't affect any of you, but it would help to keep us
more select for the future. (Cheers.) In fact, I don't see, gentlemen,
why we shouldn't