With the exception of Frank, every boy present held up both hands.
“Mr. Merriwell is elected,” said Jack, soberly, “and I now surrender the chair to him.”
Frank made a little speech, expressing his thanks, and then asked the views of the boys as to the proper name for the club. Several names were suggested, in all of which Frank’s name was included. He was not satisfied with any of them.
“What do you think would be a good name?” asked Hodge.
“Well, we have come across the continent representing Yale, and I don’t see why we shouldn’t go back carrying the Yale banner to victory wherever we can. Four of us are from Yale, and Hodge contemplates entering the college, while Toots has worn a Yale sweater during our tour. That leaves Ephraim, Barney and Hans. I wonder if they object to the use of the word Yale in the name of our club?”
“Gosh, no.”
“Nivver a bit av it.”
“Vot you took us for?”
“Then that point is settled. Of course we have no authority from Yale to use the name, but if we give a good account of ourselves in the contests in which we may participate, I hardly think that need trouble us. I propose the name, ‘The Yale Combine.’ How does that strike you?”
“Good!” cried Rattleton, with enthusiasm.