Page:Stanwood Pier--Harding of St Timothys.djvu/97

Rh its chances! Five of the best fellows in the school—who would have bragged of their loyalty! Five of our first eleven men, the Corinthian captain, the athletic president—and all that noble, noble institution, the Crown!"

He swept them with a look of scorn. Then, after a moment of silence, he walked slowly past them with his hands in his pockets and the faintest smile of contempt curling his lips, and as he passed he looked squarely into each sober, downcast face. Not one of the boys answered him a word, and he walked on and left them.

Stoddard accompanied him in a subdued silence. When they got out of sight and hearing of the others, Rupert turned to him with a broad grin.

"How about it? Was I fierce all right?"

Stoddard looked at him wonderingly. Then he answered, with a faint, half-comprehending smile:— "Well, I should say! I'm scared yet."

Rupert chuckled. "It was more fun than a goat. To see 'em all lined up there like little