Page:Stanwood Pier--Harding of St Timothys.djvu/24

6 have the best fellows, don't we, when we're so anxious that you should join us?"

Rupert laughed. "You're a persuasive little chap," he said. "But I'm sorry. I don't believe in it, Harry, and I can't join. Tell the fellows how much I appreciate the honor and all that."

Harry looked very downcast.

"They'll be awfully disappointed," he said. "I guess my brother Clark never saw any harm in the Crown. He was president of it when he was in school—and I think he's as good as there is."

"I guess he is, too, from what I've heard of him," Rupert said kindly. "But he's built differently from me, that's all. He's the sort of fellow who takes things as they are and makes the best of them; and I know his going into the Crown and using his influence must have done a lot of good. But I don't believe my going in would do me or the Crown any good. So I think I'll stay outside." He laughed and patted Harry's shoulder. "We'd better be going in to supper."