Page:Stanwood Pier--Harding of St Timothys.djvu/26

8 should have abandoned him so abruptly. Watson had nothing special to say, and when he accompanied Harry and Rupert inside and sat with them in the "common room," it seemed merely because of a preference for their society. And Rupert knew that Francis Stoddard, the boy who remained outside on the steps, had been Bruce Watson's closest friend.

That evening, before they went to bed, all the fellows in the Crown were aware that Rupert Ormsby had declined their election. Some of them, especially Joe Herrick, were for feeling insulted, but the general sentiment was merely one of surprise and disappointment.

"He simply does n't approve of secret societies," Harry said gloomily.

"It makes me a good deal less keen about him for president," said Joe Herrick.

"Oh, he's the fellow for it." Harry's assured, offhand declaration did not even invite a debate, and Joe Herrick was silent.

The presidency of the athletic association was, on the whole, the most desirable honorary office in the school. It was not that it car-