e was no need to count the numbers of the rival parties as they
stood. Only about twenty-five stood beside Fairbairn and the
schoolhouse, while nearly two hundred and fifty boys crowded the side of
the room along which Game and his followers took their stand. The
triumph of the opponents to the new captain was complete, and the school
had given him and the head master a most emphatic reply to the late
appointment.

Riddell would have much preferred to be allowed to withdraw of his own
accord rather than remain to be beaten. But his friends had all opposed
the idea as cowardly, and he had given in to them. He now took his
defeat very placidly, and even joined in the laughter which greeted Mr
Isaac's call.

"Now, Mr Pilbury!"

Mr Pilbury was "off his speech." If he had been allowed to proceed
when he first rose, he had the steam up and could have let out, as he
told his friends; but now the spirit had been taken out of him.
However, he was compelled to make an effort, and began as before, "Sir,
it is time the Welchers had a word."

He didn't mean anything funny, he was certain, but everybody laughed.

"Why shouldn't old Cusack here--" ("Order, order")--"What's the row?"

Isaacs informed the hon. gentleman that members of that House were
always called "Mr"

"Mr Cusack, then," said Pilbury, "it's just a dodge of Ikey to floor me
in my speech. Why shouldn't old Mr Cusack-- Eh, what say?"

This was addressed to Philpot, who was eagerly trying to prompt his
ally.

"Go it, let out at them," he whispered.

"Why shouldn't old Mr Cusack go it and let out--that is--all right,
Philpot, you pig, I'll pay you out, see if I don't. Why shouldn't old
Mr Cusack, gentlemen--er--"

"Do," suggested Cusack himself.

"Do," shouted Pilbury, "do, gentlemen--do? Why shouldn't--(all right,
Gus Telson, I see you chucking darts)--why shouldn't old Mr Cusack--"

"Does any gentleman second the amendment?" asked Mr Isaacs, evidently
getting hungry and anxious to be released from his post.

"Yes," shouted Philpot, "Mr Gentlemen, yes, I do--and--"

"Wait a bit, you howling cad," exclaimed Pilbury, in excitement. "I've
not done yet!"

"Mr Philpot!" said Mr Isaacs.

"Philpot be blowed," cried the irate Pilbury, "wait till I'm done."

"Order, order," shouted members on all sides.

"Moved by Mr Pilbury, seconded by Mr Philpot," began Isaacs.

"Easy all," cried Philpot, "I've not spoken yet."

"Order, order," cried Isaacs.