, "all together for
old Coote! Don't forget his trot with the Harriers!"

This simple election speech called forth a cheer, and, better still,
sent up two or three more hands.

Loud cries of "Order" from the top end of the room prevented any further
appeal, and amid dead silence the scrutineers finished their work.

"For Coote," announced the spokesman, "there are 146."

Then did the "Firm" go mad, and lose their heads. Then did they yell
till their throats were hoarse, and wave their hands till their arms
ached.

Then did they link arms, as they sat victorious, and forget the sorrows
of a term in that one paean of victory.

"Very close," they heard Freckleton say, as soon as order was restored.
"Are you satisfied, Calverly?"

Woe betide Calverly had he ventured to be otherwise!

"All right," he said, meekly, cowed by the mighty triumph of the "Firm."

"Then Coote is in," announced the scrutineers.

The election was over, and Freckleton was about to disperse the meeting,
when it was noticed Pledge was on his legs, trying to speak.

A low hiss and groan went round the Hall, but curiosity to hear what the
deposed monitor had to say at such a time restored order.

Three boys alone knew what it all meant, and their faces blanched, and
their limbs shook, as they looked out from their retreat and awaited
their fate.

"Perhaps," said Pledge, "as this is a public meeting, you will allow me,
though I have not the proud honour of being a 'Sociable,' and although I
believe I am not a monitor either, to ask a question. I assure you I do
it in the interests of Templeton, and of your immaculate Club. I don't
suppose any one will thank me for doing it, and I am glad to say I have
ceased to expect thanks. You may attribute any motive you like to me;
the worse it is, probably, the better you will be satisfied. I
certainly shall not trouble to tell you my motive, except that it is for
your good. All I want to ask is, whether this meeting is aware that
three members of the new Club are at this moment under the eyes of the
police, for a disgraceful act of theft committed in the town; and, if
so, whether you think that fact increases their claims to become members
of a Club which is to be a credit to Templeton?"

The speech was heard in dead silence. But as it closed, a storm broke
forth from all quarters of the Hall.

"Name! Sneak! Cad! Name!"

The angry spots blazed out in Pledge's cheeks as he faced the stor