Although its leading motive might be said to be disorder, it existed for other purposes as well; as was clearly set forth in the articles of admission administered to each new boy on joining its honourable company.
Terrible and sweeping were the "affirmations" each Denite was required to make on the top of a crib to Caesar's Commentaries.
(1) "I promise to stick by every chap of the Den whenever I am called upon." (2) "I promise never to sneak, or tell tales of any chap of the Den, under any circumstances." (3) "I promise never to fag for anybody more than I can possibly help." (4) "I promise to do all I can to make myself jolly to the Den." (5) "If I break any of these rules, I promise to let myself be kicked all round by the chaps of the Den, as long as I am able to stand it." Our heroes and young Aspinall were called upon solemnly to subscribe to each of these weighty promises, under threat of the most awful vengeance if they refused.

And, as it seemed to each he might safely venture on the promise required, they went dutifully through the ceremony, and had the high privilege of exercising their new rights, ten minutes later, in kicking a couple of recalcitrant Denites, one of whom, as it happened, was the high-minded Mr Gosse, who had been detected in the act of telling tales to a monitor of one of his companions.
Mr Gosse availed himself on this occasion of the last clause of Rule 5, and lay down on the ground, after the first kick.

He was, however, persuaded to resume his feet, and finally had the inward satisfaction of feeling that he had obeyed the requirements of the rule to the utmost.
This little matter of business being disposed of, and the usual patriotic speeches having been delivered, the Den, which was nothing if it was not original, proceeded to its elections--a somewhat tedious ceremony, which it was very difficult for a stranger to understand.
A vicious-looking youth, called Culver, was elected president of the club, Pauncefote (the rejected post fag) and Smith were appointed treasurers, and, greatly to the surprise of the new boys, but of no one else, Mr Gosse, still barely recovered from his loyalty to Rule 5, was elected secretary, and made a very amiable and highly-applauded speech, in returning thanks for the compliment paid to him.
After this, the Den resolved itself into a social gathering, and became rather tedious.
Dick was interrupted in a yawn by Messrs.

Pauncefote and Smith, who politely waited upon him for his subscription, a request which Culver, as president, and Gosse, as secretary, were also in attendance to see complied with.
"How much ?" said Dick.
"Threepence," said Smith, but was instantly jostled by a violent nudge from Gosse.
"How much tin have you got ?" demanded that official.
Dick, who had long ere this lost any reverence he might be expected to entertain towards the secretary of the Den, replied: "Threepence." "Howling cram!" observed Gosse.

"I know you've more than that." "Ah! you've been putting your hands in my pockets then ?" Whereat there was a mighty cheer, and the Den was called to order to hear the joke, which it did with genuine merriment; and then and there passed a resolution unanimously, requesting Mr Gosse once more to comply with Rule 5.