Kick him out, even if he is the Squire's butler." Mr.Pratt's complexion became apoplectic.

"And the second point is, Remember some men have heads and some haven't.

It is no use for a lame man entering for a hurdle-race.

A strong man can take his whack--if it's with his food--and it will do him good, while a weak man can't hang up his hat alter the first smile." A storm of applause followed, which was perhaps all the heartier by reason of the furious face of Mr.Gresley.Dick was clapped continuously as he descended the platform and slowly left the room, feeling in his pockets for his tobacco-pouch.

A squad of young men creaked out after him, and others followed by twos and threes, so that the mellifluous voice of Mr.Pratt was comparatively lost, who, disregarding his position as chairman, now rose to pour oil--of which, in manner alone, he had always a large supply--on the troubled waters.