Page:Dave Porter at Oak Hall.djvu/228

206 "I'll vote for Porter, but I want Poole to come in too," said a lad named Gassberry.

A discussion lasting half an hour ensued, and it was plainly to be seen that a number of the boys had been listening to what Gus Plum and his friends had had to say against Dave. Yet the opposition, melted greatly before Phil's vigorous denunciation of the bully, and in the end it was voted to make Dave a member, and to take in all of the others mentioned likewise.

As soon as the meeting broke up Phil lost no time in singling out Dave, Ben, and Roger.

"We want all of you to join our secret society," he said. "You've heard of it, the Gee Eyes. We have voted to make you members."

"Do the boys want me for a member?" asked Dave, quickly.

"They do."

"All of them?"

"The vote was almost unanimous. Only two stood out against twenty-six, and they won't count."

This reply made Dave feel glad—it was certain that he had not lost many friends by the actions of Gus Plum and his followers.

"All right, Phil, I'll join, and tell the boys I am thankful to them for voting for me," said he, and the others said practically the same.

"My opinion of it is, that Gus Plum has hurt himself by talking against you, Dave," went on