“Mainwright’s house have held a meeting to-day, and on their behalf I wish to propose that Rouse be elected captain of boxing.”
He offered no explanation. He just waited a moment and then sat down.
Forthwith Saville rose from beside Coles.
“Seconded,” said he.
There was a sweeping murmur partly of surprise and partly of assent, and then Toby looked round them quickly.
“Is anyone else proposed?”
It was evident that there was not. But the villainous young man who had spoken first rose in his seat defiantly and faced Toby.
“It is quite natural, sir,” said he, “that after last year’s disappointment some of the fellows should want to pay Rouse this compliment, but it is an unwritten law that the captain of any game shall always be the senior old colour of the game and, if possible, the best man at it.”
Next Pointon rose.
“Is it not a fact, sir,” he inquired, “that when one selects a captain one chooses a man with certain definite capabilities as a leader, and not necessarily the best man at the game? Sometimes the two go together, but this year we require above anything else the man who can get the very most out of the school. Is there any unwritten law which prevents Rouse being proposed in that capacity?”