Page:Stanwood Pier--Harding of St Timothys.djvu/184

156 Joe Herrick was the only one of them all to appreciate the full significance of Rupert's last words. He found himself winking unaccountably to clear up the mist that had gathered in his eyes; and then on a sudden inspiration he mounted his chair, and shouted:— "Fellows, all up, and three times three for Ormsby!"

Harry cheered with the others, but there was a little sting of disappointment in his breast even while he cheered. Somehow he knew that Rupert's speech had eclipsed his own brilliancy. When he sat down, he heard Fatty Myers say to some one across the table:

"That's about the best speech a fellow could make," and Sam Morse answered, "You bet!"

Mr. Eldredge was whispering to Ward. Then he rose and rapped on the table.

"We have with us to-night," he said, "a distinguished son of St. Timothy's—distinguished though still young. Every boy in this room is familiar with the career of Philip Ward, and can tell just how many years he