Page:Stanwood Pier--Harding of St Timothys.djvu/56

36 In a moment the boys were called in to study. Francis went to his desk, which was next to Bruce Watson's. As he sat down, Bruce looked at him curiously.

After an hour of study the master in charge of the room touched a bell, the signal for the five minutes' intermission allowed before the beginning of the second hour.

Instantly a confusion of talk and sound sprang up. Francis, engaged in finishing a Greek exercise, did not immediately leave his seat. When he did rise, Bruce Watson was waiting for him and Rupert Ormsby was coming down the aisle. "What the dickens is that, Frank?" asked Bruce, putting out his hand and touching the pin. "SB. What's SB?"

Francis glanced up at Rupert for help, and Rupert answered. "SB is an organization of which Frank and I are charter members," he said. "I'm rather surprised you should ask, Watson. You ought to know the proper way to act about such things."

Watson reddened, muttered an apology, and