"They hold aloof from most of the school doings, unless there's a chance of a row.

They had no boat on the river this year, and I don't think they will have a man in the eleven against Rockshire.

And they seem to have no ambition to work for the school." The doctor mused a bit, and then said, with a half-sigh, as if to himself, "And I wish that were the worst of it." Then turning to Riddell, he said, "I am glad to hear your opinion of Welch's house, Riddell, and to find that you seem to understand what is wrong there.
What should you say to taking charge of that house in future ?" This was breaking the news suddenly, with a vengeance, and Riddell fairly gaped at the head master as he sat back in his chair, and wondered if he had heard aright.
"What, sir!" at length he gasped; "_I_ take charge of Welch's!" "Yes, my boy," said the doctor, quietly.
"Oh, I could never do it, sir!" exclaimed Riddell, pale at the very notion.
"Try," said the head master.

"It may not be so impossible as you think." "I'm not popular, sir," faltered Riddell, "and I've no influence.
Indeed, it would only make things worse.

Try some one else, sir.