It was only when any one ventured to dispute his authority as head of the house that he attached any value to his office.

In fact, it was the story of the Dog in the Manger carried out in school life--he would not be troubled doing his duty to Welch's, and he would not if he could help it let any one else do it for him.
Riddell, if truth must be told, was not at all sorry to have an early opportunity of coming to an explanation with Silk.
Silk was one of the very few boys in Willoughby whom the captain positively disliked, and that being so Riddell was troubled with none of the half-apologetic nervousness which he usually felt in the presence of his other fellow-seniors.

He looked upon Silk both as an enemy to Willoughby and as the evil genius of young Wyndham, and therefore was by no means disposed to beg his pardon or consult his pleasure in the new order of things at Welch's.
"I hear the juniors have been saying something to you about starting the cricket club," said Silk, in tones which were the reverse of conciliatory.
"Yes," said Riddell; "or, rather, I suggested it to them." "You did! All I can say is, it's like your impudence.

Welch's is come to a pretty pass if _you're_ sent here to look after our athletics." Riddell did not feel called upon to reply to this, and Silk therefore continued, "Don't you know Tucker and I have been captains of the clubs here for the last two years ?" "I was told so." "Then what business have you to interfere ?" "There was no house club at all this year." "A lot _you_ care about the cricket.

I know well enough it's just a canting dodge for snubbing Tucker and me before the fellows, nothing more." "You're quite mistaken," replied Riddell.
"Oh, of course! You'd like to make out that you care a fig about cricket.