Page:Stanwood Pier--Harding of St Timothys.djvu/57

Rh then made off. Rupert winked at Francis, and laughed.

Out in the hall Watson gathered a group of members of the Crown,—Tom Albree, Harry Harding, Joe Herrick, and Frank Windsor.

"Have you noticed the new society?" he asked them excitedly.

"Belmont and Ormsby and that crowd?" said Herrick. "I saw they're flashing a pin on us. You think they've got a society?"

"I know it," said Watson. "I've just been called down by Ormsby for inquiring. I know what it is! He's got it up to buck against the Crown."

"It can't be!" exclaimed Harry. "Rupert told me himself he would n't join the Crown simply because he did n't believe in secret societies. After that he would n't turn right round and organize one."

"He has, though," insisted Watson. "He as much as told me so. He told me he and Stoddard were charter members"—

"I guess," Herrick interrupted, "he found he'd have to get up another society to work