At length a gentleman rose at the back of the hall.
"I don't pretend to be an expert on football," said he, "though I think it's a great game, but I should like to say a few words as to this question of new blood."
The audience craned its neck.
"Will Mr. Councillor Machin kindly step up to the platform?" the Mayor suggested.
And up Denry stepped.
The thought in every mind was: "What's he going to do? What's he got up his sleeve—this time?"
"Three cheers for Machin!" people chanted gaily.
"Order!" said the Mayor.
Denry faced the audience. He was now accustomed to audiences. He said:
"If I 'm not mistaken, one of the greatest modern footballers is a native of this town."