p
alike. We don't want anybody's charity."

This sentiment was generally applauded, and restored the captain in the
good opinion of every one present. After all, old Yorke's bark was
always worse than his bite. He wasn't going to be put upon by the other
side, however much he seemed to stick up for them.

Ranger waited a few minutes after the others had gone.

"Look here, Ranger," said the captain, "you must back me up in this.
You can afford to do it, because you've been beaten. I only wish you
were in my place. I know you hate those fellows, and are cut up to have
lost the secretaryship."

"I'm not going to break my heart about that," said Ranger.

"Of course not. You're going to do what will be a lot more useful.
You're going to work as hard for the School as if you were secretary and
captain in one; and you're going to back me up in keeping the peace,
aren't you?"

"Would you, if you were in my shoes?" said Ranger.

"I might find it hard, but I almost think I should try. And if I had
your good temper, I should succeed too."

Hanger laughed.

"I didn't think you went in for flattery, Yorke. Anyhow, I believe you
are right. I'll be as affectionate as I can to those Modern chaps.
Ugh! good night."

After the day's excitement Fellsgarth went to bed early. But no one
dreamed, least of all the heroes of the exploit themselves, how much was
to depend earing the coming months on those five small voters who had
waited patiently in Wally Wheatfield's study that afternoon to hear the
clock strike 5:30.

CHAPTER FIVE.

PERCY WHEATFIELD, ENVOY EXTRAORDINARY.

The misgivings of the Classics were justified. The Moderns did not
accept their victory at Elections with a meekness which augured harmony
for the coming half.

On the contrary, they executed that difficult acrobatic feat known as
going off their heads, with jubilation.

For many terms they had groaned under a sense of inferiority, partly
imagined but partly well founded, in their relations with the rival
side. The Classics had given themselves airs, and, what was worse,
proved their right to give them. In its early days the Modern side was
not "in it" at Fellsgarth. Its few members were taught to look upon
themselves as altogether a lower order of creation than the pupils of
the old foundation, and had accepted the position with due humility.
Then certain rebellious spirits had arisen, who dared to ask why their
side wasn't as good as