"You don't follow the course of the argument, my son," explained his father. "However, I'll make it clear at another time. You mustn't stop now, because we are in committee, and it would be irregular."
"Bless you nose, I don't want to stop!" replied William. Then he made a mock bow and departed.
When he had gone, Mr. Spry, who was a peace-loving man, proposed that they should drop the dragon. Pearn, Prout and Taverner, however, held out for the monster loudly, and Mr. Huggins supported them.
"Better have a sub-committee to decide," sneered Jarratt Weekes; but Mr. Churchward ignored his satire and put the question to the vote.
"Dragon romps home!" cried John Prout.
"St. George and the Dragon have passed the committee," announced Mr. Churchward. "And now, gentlemen, perhaps you'll kindly help yourselves."
There was an interval of clinking glasses and bubbling liquor. A smell of beer permeated the chamber.
"All's going wonderful well," sighed Mr. Huggins. "I hope we haven't nearly finished yet."
Presently the discussion was resumed.
"With your permission, I will now myself submit a character," said the chairman, "and it is no less a solemn figure than the patriarch Moses."