Page:Stanwood Pier--Harding of St Timothys.djvu/52

32 with his indignation hot upon him, he went straight to Rupert.

"There's something I think you ought to know," he said. "I've just found out that the Crown fellows are all going round trying to get Harry Harding elected president of the athletic association."

"Yes," said Rupert, rather amused by the boy's indignation, "I've known that. Harry's not much of an athlete, but he's a good fellow, and he'll be all right for president."

"It is n't fair!" cried Stoddard. "You're the only fellow in the school that anybody ever thought of. And now a whole gang is going round, using their influence to defeat you."

"Well," said Rupert, "why should n't they, if they want Harry for president and don't want me? As far as I'm concerned, he's entirely welcome to it. Personally, I would n't lift my finger to be elected."

"But you ought to be," insisted Stoddard.

"Oh, well," Rupert laughed, "it does n't matter. There's nothing to the office. If there