n their desire to know whether the
"director" would approve their action in relation to the new member and
the prize.

Frank and his father entered the club-room together.

"Now, my son, what have you done?" asked Captain Sedley.

"We have discussed both questions to the best of our ability," replied
Frank, with some hesitation.

"Well, what was the result?"

"We have elected Tim to fill Tony's place."

"Indeed!"

"We have; and we await your sanction to our doings."

"Did you think I would sanction such a choice as that?"

"I didn't know. We have fairly considered the matter; have faithfully
examined both sides of the question. If we have done wrong, you know,
father, that you have a veto upon our doings."

Captain Sedley smiled at the matter-of-fact, business-like earnestness
of his son. He felt quite as much interest in the action of the boys as
they did to learn his opinion of it.

"Tim is a very bad boy," said he.

"He _was_; but he has solemnly promised to amend, and become a good
boy," answered Frank, warmly.

"Not much dependence can be placed upon the promises of such boys as
Tim."

"But if no one encourages him to become better, he will not be likely to
improve much, especially when everybody despises and shuns him."

"There is danger that he may corrupt the rest of the club."

"He must obey the requirements of the constitution, or he cannot long
continue to be a member."

"You are right, Frank; I approve your action in this matter, but I
should like to know the grounds upon which you admitted him."

Frank gave him a brief synopsis of the debate, and the anxious father
expressed himself well pleased with the liberal views of the club.

"Men might be oftener reformed in the great world, if people would only
give them a chance to be respectable, as you have done with Tim," said
Captain Sedley. "But what have you done about the prize?"

"We have voted to accept the offer of the gentlemen," answered Frank,
rather doubtfully, as he looked earnestly into the face of his father,
to discover the effect of his intelligence.

"I hope you looked on both sides of this question, as well as the
other."

"We did, father."

Frank stated the different opinions that had been expressed by the
members during the debate, and the fact that they had informally given a
unanimous vote against it. Captain Sedley was much amused by the
narration, in spite of the disappointment he felt at the ill success of