Page:Stanwood Pier--Harding of St Timothys.djvu/73

Rh he went round among the quiet, studious boys of the fourth and fifth forms, urging them to write for the "Mirror," of which he was editor, and inviting them to come to his room and talk over with him subjects for stories and essays.

Nat Belmont remarked to Francis Stoddard that Harding was out "swiping" for votes; but this was hardly true. Harry's pleasant face and kind and friendly manner were not assumed for a purpose; they were natural to him when he was as happy as he was now. Everything seemed to be turning out just as he would have it. Rupert's denial of any interest in the election and failure to make any active canvass soothed Harry's conscience and raised his sanguine hopes.

The day before the election a thing took place that contributed more largely than any previous occurrence to his happiness.

The school was divided into two athletic clubs, the Pythians and the Corinthians, each of which had its football eleven. These two elevens contested for the school championship.