Even though he's a Parrett's boy, and therefore can show a sign of intelligence! (Laughter.) No; what I say is, whether we believe in him or not, Mr Riddell is captain; and until you can show me a less bad one, I'll vote for him." This oration, delivered with great animation and amidst constant laughter, helped to put the meeting in rather better humour, all except the Parrett's fellows, who did not enjoy it at all.
However, before any of them could make up his mind to reply, a shrill voice was heard from the other end of the hall, "Sir! It is time the Welchers had a word!" This innocent announcement caused a loud burst of laughter, in which every one joined, especially when it was discovered that the orator was none other than the youthful Mr Pilbury himself! He stood surrounded by a small cluster of admiring juniors, who glared defiantly out on the assembly generally, and "backed up their man" till he could hardly breathe.
"It's all very well," screamed Pilbury.

(Loud cheers from Cusack and Philpot.) But here the chairman's hammer sounded and cries of "Order" checked the orator's progress.
"The hon.

member," said Isaacs, "cannot propose his motion till the motion before the House is disposed of." Pilbury scowled fiercely at the speaker.
"I _shall_ propose it," he cried, "and you'd better shut up, old Ikey!" Game, amid much laughter, rose to order, and asked if these expressions were parliamentary?
Isaacs said, "Certainly not, and Mr Pilbury must withdraw them." Mr Pilbury said "he'd withdraw his grandmother," and attempted to continue his speech, when Fairbairn rose and suggested to the hon.
member that if he would only wait a bit the House would be delighted to hear him.

After this conciliatory advice Pilbury let himself be pulled down into his seat by his admirers, and the debate on Game's amendment continued.
It was hot and exciting.

The arguments were mostly on the side of the schoolhouse, and the vehemence on the side of Parrett's.