"Will any member volunteer to speak in his place?
It will be a pity to have our exercises incomplete." Fletcher was angry, and wanted to be revenged on somebody.

A bright idea came to him.

He would place the "printer's devil," whose admission to the Society he resented, in an awkward position.

He rose with a malicious smile upon his face.
"Mr.President," he said, "doubtless Mr.Walton, the new member who has done us the _honor_ to join our society, will be willing to supply my place." "We shall certainly be glad to hear a declamation from Mr.Walton, though it is hardly fair to call upon him at such short notice." "Can't you speak something, Harry ?" whispered Oscar.

"Don't do it, unless you are sure you can get through." Harry started in surprise when his name was first mentioned, but he quickly resolved to accept his duty.