"Gentlemen,--Unaccustomed as I am to public speaking, I beg to read you the list of the Sociables' Club.

I don't see my own name on the list, but perhaps you'll consider the fag we three have been put to this afternoon is a public service for the good of Templeton.

If so, please remember the poor scrutineers at the next election." (Cheers and laughter.) "Now for the list." "Better only read the names of the elected ones in each form, and not the number of votes," suggested Freckleton.
"Lucky Freckleton said so," remarked the scrutineer, "or I should have told you that his name is at the top of the poll by a very long start." (Tremendous cheers.) "But, as I'm not to let out figures, all I can say is, he's in.

And so are Crossfield, Cartwright, Swinstead, Frith, and Mansfield for the Sixth-Form." It was curious to notice the effect of this announcement on the meeting generally and on the boys specially concerned.

As name followed name without that of the Captain, fellows looked round at one another in something like consternation.