“Of course you can’t. We told you that before. But, Newcombe, we’ve got something to propose to you. Martin, just excuse us a moment.”
So saying, Rich and Miller took Tom by the arm, and, after leading him to an unfrequented part of the ground, the latter continued:
“Newcombe, we have been thinking of admitting some new members to our society. There are eleven good fellows here, and we should like to see them brought in. Our constitution provides that any two officers, higher than the rank of captain, may admit as many as they please. You, being grand commander, and I a fourth colonel, the job can be easily done. I know there is not much prospect now that it will ever be of any use to them, but there is no knowing what may happen.”
“Bring them in!” said Tom, who was ready to join in any thing that would occupy his mind, and drive out the remembrance of his day’s experience. “Go and get them Rich—one at a time.”
The latter at once started off to hunt up the boys belonging to the “set,” and presently Martin approached the place where Tom and Miller were standing, and made known his desire to be admitted as a member of the society.
“Take off your cap,” said Tom, who, by virtue of his high rank, conducted the proceedings. “Now, Richard Martin, do you solemnly promise that, if you are admitted to this society, you will obey its rules and regulations?”
“I do!” answered Martin.
“Well, then,” continued the grand commander, “listen to the constitution by which you will be governed.”
So saying, Tom, after having removed his own cap, and cast his eye about the grounds to see that no one was within hearing, drew a paper from his pocket, and read, in a whisper, as follows:
We, the boys of the village of Newport, in order to form a more perfect union, protect ourselves from all outsiders, promote harmony and good feeling, provide for our defense against those who have proved themselves unworthy of our friendship, do ordain and establish this constitution for the Night-hawks.