"At any rate, that's no reason why there shouldn't be a club." "All serene!" said Cusack, warming up to the notion, and quite forgetting "Bouncer." "I say, Riddell, couldn't we start it now ?" "Yes, certainly," said Riddell; "why not?
I propose Cusack be the secretary." "Oh, I say!" cried that youth, blushing, half with pleasure and half with embarrassment; "you'd better be that, Riddell." "Oh, no," said Riddell, laughing, "I don't know the fellows so well as you.

If you were secretary, and Pilbury or Philpot treasurer, I'd be president, or something of that sort, if you like." The idea of the new club took like wildfire, and an enthusiastic consultation followed.

It was resolved to summon a meeting next day of all who took an interest in the sport, and to arrange for a trial match at once.

Riddell went as warmly into the details as any one, and took every opportunity of working up the patriotic spirit of his younger companions.
"You know," said he, "I don't see at all why we shouldn't be able to get together a team for the junior elevens if we practise hard." "The nuisance is," said Cusack, "we're stopped an hour a day's play all this term." "What for ?" inquired the captain.
The melancholy story of Mr Parrett and the sulphuretted hydrogen was recounted.
"It's a pity," said he, gravely.
"I wonder if Paddy would mind giving us a licking instead," suggested Pilbury, whose hands were of the horny kind.
Even the others whose palms were less seasoned seemed willing to fall in with this alternative, but Riddell discouraged it.
"No," said he, "he's not likely to do that.

But I tell you what I'll do.