Each was disposed to "pin his faith" upon others.

They would not think for themselves, and exercise an independent judgment.

Like thousands in the great world, they "went with the crowd;" thought, acted, voted, with the majority.
Frank saw the operation of this motive in the "informal vote" which had just been taken; and he was tolerably certain that he could bring them all over to the other side, by indicating his own preference.
Calling Fred Harper to the chair again, he opened the discussion by offering a simile, which, being a parallel case, certainly gave the question an entirely new aspect.
"At the Rippleton Academy three gold medals and three silver medals are awarded, every year, for the best scholarship and deportment.

Is that gambling ?" "No," replied half a dozen voices.
"Well, we are to row, in like manner for a prize.

We don't put up money as a stake; the party that gets beaten does not lose anything." "That makes a difference," added Charles.
"But the prizes in the Academy are given to make the scholars get their lessons well--to stimulate them in doing their duty," said William Bright.
"Very true;" and Frank saw, in the faces of the members, that the current had again set in another direction.