Page:Stanwood Pier--Harding of St Timothys.djvu/181

Rh admire him so much as we do now; and I believe that however well he might have played, he could not have done more toward winning the game than, by communicating his spirit and his influence to his team, he has already done."

Here Mr. Eldredge was interrupted by a burst of applause, louder and longer, Harry could not help noticing with a twinge of jealousy, than that which had just resounded for him.

"Gentlemen," said Mr. Eldredge, "I am going to call on Rupert Ormsby to speak for the team." While the clapping rose and continued, Rupert picked up the crutches lying beside his chair, and with them and Mr. Eldredge's assistance, got to his feet. His face was as red as Frank Windsor's had been, but it was with emotion rather than with confusion.

"Thank you, Mr. Eldredge," he said; and the master sat down.

Rupert hesitated a moment, and then, as he leaned on his crutches, he smiled. "I guess