Page:Stanwood Pier--Harding of St Timothys.djvu/95

Rh oddly followed by the heavy, determined settling of his jaw.

Harry Harding and Bruce Watson and the other members of the Crown came flocking out of the Pie House. Rupert and Stoddard sat down on the stone wall by the roadside and awaited them. They approached with an air of bravado. Coming out into the road, they nodded to the two boys indifferently, and were on the point of sauntering past, when Rupert observed, in an audible tone:—

"I see that the Crown has a new meeting-place."

He got down from the wall, and in his most leisurely manner and with his hands in his pockets, but wearing an expression that was as grave as that of the other boys was troubled and resentful, he walked up to Frank Windsor.

"Look here, fellows!" His voice had the sharp, abrupt tone of command which they had never heard from him before except on the football field; and reluctant though they were, they stopped sullenly to listen. "Windsor and Herrick and Harding and Albree and Stearns!"