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134 to stick! This is just a meeting of the fellows of Excelsior Hall, and I've got just as much right to preside as you have."

Perhaps it was the gavel which Teeter clenched in his hand, perhaps it was the fearless manner in which he faced Hiram, or perhaps it was the way in which Joe, Tom, Peaches and several of the larger students crowded up around Teeter, like a bodyguard, that caused Hiram to pause in his progress toward the chairman.

Whatever it was, it proved effective and probably prevented a serious clash, for Hiram was in the mood to have struck Teeter, who surely would have retaliated.

"Well, what's it all about?" asked the bully, after a pause. "What do you fellows want, anyhow?"

"We want the ball team managed differently," retorted Teeter.

"That's right!" came from a score of ringing voices.

Hiram turned a bit pale. It was the first time he had ever witnessed an organized revolt against his authority.

"Aren't you fellows satisfied with the way I manage things?" the bully sneered.

"No, and not with the way Luke Fodick