Page:Stanwood Pier--Harding of St Timothys.djvu/29

Rh with it any special power or responsibility; the only duty of the incumbent was to get himself up in his best for a public appearance on the annual field-day, and introduce to the audience the distinguished guest of the occasion, who was to make a speech and present the prizes. But it had become almost traditional that the president of the athletic association should be one of the great athletes of the school. And ever since the organization of the Crown, this office—like most of the important school offices—had been held by a member of the society. This year, before electing him a member, the Crown had "slated" Rupert Ormsby for the position.

The day after Harry's talk with Rupert was a Sunday. In the afternoon small groups of boys were assembled near the study building in the shade of the maples. It was a warm afternoon for the end of September. All the boys were arrayed in their best, with patent leather shoes, and trousers handsomely creased, and large, beautiful neckties. They were all of an age when they took a great deal of