of the
port--a sinecure office, supposed to imply some duties connected with
the "Tub," but really only the relic of some ancient office handed down
from bygone generations, and piously retained by a conservative
posterity.

All these were re-elections and passed off without opposition, and as a
matter of course.

When, however, Pontifex announced that the office of Usher of the Chapel
was vacant, the duties of which were to mark the attendance of all boys
and present weekly reports of their punctuality, and proceeded to
nominate Pledge for the post, the first symptoms of opposition showed
themselves, much to the delight of the Den.

"I move an amendment to that," said Birket, looking a little nervous,
but evidently in earnest. "I don't think Pledge is the proper man.
(Cheers.) I don't like him myself--(loud cheers)--and I don't think I'm
very fastidious. (Great applause from the Den.) We want an honest,
reliable man--(hear, hear)--who'll keep our scores without fear or
favour. (Applause.) You needn't think I'm saying this for a lark. I'm
pretty sure to catch it, but I don't care; I'll say what I think.
(Cries of 'We'll back you up,' and cheers.) You're not obliged to have
a monitor to be Usher of the Chapel, and I propose Swinstead be
appointed."

Birket sat down amid loud cheers. It had been a plucky thing for him to
do, and very few would have undertaken so ungracious a task; but, now he
had undertaken it, the meeting was evidently with him.

"Everybody here," said Pontifex, "as long as he's in order, has a right
to express his opinion without fear. Two names have now been proposed--
Pledge and Swinstead. Any more?"

No one broke the silence.

"Then I'll put up Swinstead first. Who votes for Swinstead?"

Everybody, apparently. The Den, to a man, and the Middle school
scarcely less unanimously.

"Now for Pledge."

About a dozen, including Bull and one or two of the Sixth, a select few
among the juniors, and a certain unwholesome-looking clique among the
Fourth and Fifth.

It rather surprised our heroes to notice that Pledge, so far from
appearing mortified by his reverse, took it with a decidedly amiable
smile, which became almost grateful as it beamed into the corner where
Birket and Swinstead, both flushed with excitement, sat.

"By Jingo! I wouldn't be those two for a lot!" said Raggles.

"Now _I_ think Pledge takes it very well," said Heathcote.

Whereat there was a mighty laugh in