re that he himself would have filled the post better is a
question it is not necessary to ask here.

The doctor was brief and to the point.

"I dare say you know why I have called you together," he said.
"Wyndham--whom every one here liked and respected, and who did a great
deal for the school"--("Hear, hear," from one or two voices)--"has left,
and we shall all miss him. The captain of the school has always for a
long time past been the head classical boy. It is not a law of the
Medes and Persians that it should be so, and if there seemed any special
reason why the rule should be broken through there is nothing to prevent
that being done."

At this point one or two breathed rather more freely and the attention
generally was intensified. After all, this seemed like the preface to a
more favourable announcement. But those who thought so found their
mistake when the doctor proceeded.

"In the present case there is no such reason, and Riddell here is fully
aware of the duties expected of him, and is prepared to perform them. I
look to you to support him, and am confident if all work heartily
together no one need be afraid for the continued success of Willoughby."

The doctor ended his speech amid the silence of his audience, which was
not broken as he turned and left the room. At the same moment, to the
relief of no one more than of Riddell, the bell sounded for breakfast
and the assembly forthwith broke up.

CHAPTER FIVE.

THE NEW CAPTAIN IS DISCUSSED ON LAND AND WATER.

The doctor's announcement was not long in taking effect. As soon as
third school was over that afternoon the monitors assembled in the Sixth
Form room to discuss the situation. Fortunately for Riddell's peace of
mind, he was not present; but nearly all the others, whether friendly or
otherwise, were there.

Game, with his usual downrightness, opened the ball.

"Well, you fellows," said he, "what are you going to do?"

"Let's have a game of leapfrog while the fags aren't looking," said
Crossfield, a schoolhouse monitor and a wag in a small way.

"It's all very well for you to fool about," said Game, ill-temperedly.
"You schoolhouse fellows think, as long as you get well looked after,
Willoughby may go to the dogs."

"What do you mean?" said Fairbairn. "I don't think so."

"I suppose you'd like to make out that Riddell is made captain because
he's the best man for the place, and not because the doctor always
favours the schoolh