"No; I don't agree to that," interposed one of them.
"Turn him out!" added Scott. "R. P. F., do your duty."
This duty was a very simple one, and consisted only in leading the refractory applicant outside of the ring. A dozen more that followed, and had before refused to commit themselves, promptly agreed to all the conditions. All on the island had joined except about twenty, who had been turned out; but so great was the curiosity of some of these, that they promised to accept the conditions, if admitted.
"Bangwhangers, I congratulate you on your admission to this honorable and most respectable order," said Scott, when all who wished to join had been admitted. "But there may be some black sheep among you, and the obligation will be repeated;" and he repeated again, loud enough for all to hear him, "All that agree will repeat the couplet in due form, and sit down on the ground. Officers, turn out every fellow that don't sit down."
"All down!" shouted the students, and all of them suited the action to the word.
"All good men and true; but you must prove yourselves to be such. Do as I do;" and the joker put the forefinger of his right hand on the end of his nose.
All the members did the same.
"When I meet a Bangwhanger, I put my finger to my nose, and say, 'Bang.' In reply, he puts his finger to his nose, and answers, 'Whang.' Now I will do it with the R. P. F. Bang!"
"Whang!" replied Jones: putting his finger to his nose.
"Right. You can try it on with the brother nearest to you."