"Ah, ah! Put down one black mark," exclaimed Baker, severely.
Frank looked surprised. He had been told when notified of his election that black marks would be entered against the name of every candidate for every disobedience of the rules, and that if a neophyte got as many as ten black marks he would not be permitted to become a member.
"The neophyte has evidently forgotten the rule about speaking aloud," remarked Baker.
Every one of the seniors present took out a little memorandum and made a mark against Merriwell's name.
Frank had really forgotten the rule for the moment, and his lips parted to say, "Beg pardon," or something of that kind, when it occurred to him that that would bring him another black mark.
In fact, the instant his mouth opened, out came the memorandum books, but he shut his lips hard together, and the books went back into the students' pockets.
"We will begin with a little music," remarked Baker. "Neophyte Rattleton, come forward."
Rattleton at once stepped up and stood in front of Frank. Their eyes met, but each kept his face steady.
"Neophyte Merriwell," continued Baker, placing his hand upon Rattleton's shoulder, "this is a bass viol. This is your bow," and he handed him an umbrella. "We want you to play Mendelssohn's Wedding March."
Frank took the umbrella and looked from Rattleton to Baker in amazement.