not. Even though he's a Parrett's boy,
and therefore can show a sign of intelligence! (Laughter.) No; what I
say is, whether we believe in him or not, Mr Riddell is captain; and
until you can show me a less bad one, I'll vote for him."

This oration, delivered with great animation and amidst constant
laughter, helped to put the meeting in rather better humour, all except
the Parrett's fellows, who did not enjoy it at all.

However, before any of them could make up his mind to reply, a shrill
voice was heard from the other end of the hall, "Sir! It is time the
Welchers had a word!"

This innocent announcement caused a loud burst of laughter, in which
every one joined, especially when it was discovered that the orator was
none other than the youthful Mr Pilbury himself!

He stood surrounded by a small cluster of admiring juniors, who glared
defiantly out on the assembly generally, and "backed up their man" till
he could hardly breathe.

"It's all very well," screamed Pilbury. (Loud cheers from Cusack and
Philpot.) But here the chairman's hammer sounded and cries of "Order"
checked the orator's progress.

"The hon. member," said Isaacs, "cannot propose his motion till the
motion before the House is disposed of."

Pilbury scowled fiercely at the speaker.

"I _shall_ propose it," he cried, "and you'd better shut up, old Ikey!"

Game, amid much laughter, rose to order, and asked if these expressions
were parliamentary?

Isaacs said, "Certainly not, and Mr Pilbury must withdraw them."

Mr Pilbury said "he'd withdraw his grandmother," and attempted to
continue his speech, when Fairbairn rose and suggested to the hon.
member that if he would only wait a bit the House would be delighted to
hear him. After this conciliatory advice Pilbury let himself be pulled
down into his seat by his admirers, and the debate on Game's amendment
continued.

It was hot and exciting. The arguments were mostly on the side of the
schoolhouse, and the vehemence on the side of Parrett's. Once or twice
a Welcher dropped in a speech, attacking both parties and once or twice
a schoolhouse boy spoke in favour of Bloomfield, or a Parrett's boy
spoke in favour of Riddell. At last, after about an hour's angry
debate, the House divided. That is, all those in favour of Game's
amendment moved over to one side of the room, and those against it to
the other, and those who did not want to vote at all kept their seats in
the middle.

Ther