"Sir, I second the motion," came from Durville's throat.
There was wild glee as a volley of "ayes" was fired.
"Those of a contrary mind will say 'no,'" requested the chair.
Not a "no" could be heard.
"The chair will now withdraw, after appointing Mr. Douglass, Mr. Durville, Mr. Holmes and Mr. Anstey a committee of honor to escort the new-old class president to the chair."
While the little procession was in motion the windowpanes rattled more than ever, with the long corps yell for Prescott.
The instant his hand touched the gavel, Dick rapped for order.
"Gentlemen of the first class," he said quietly, "I thank you all. Little more need be said. I am sure that mere words cannot express my great happiness at being here. I will not deny that I have felt the injustice of the cloud that has hung over me for the last few months. Anyone of you would have felt it under the same circumstances. But it is past—-forgotten, and I know how happy you all are that the truth has been discovered."
There was a moment's silence. Then Dick asked, as he had so often done before:
"Is there any further business to come before the class meeting?"