CHAPTER XXVI
Two from Eleven leaves Nine
Nominations for the School Captaincy had to be sent in a fortnight before the actual election took place. Great fun had always been extracted from the annual event, particularly in the Junior School. Consequently there was blank consternation, particularly in Holbeck's House, when the school librarian gave it out that only one nomination paper had been sent in.
"There must be some mistake—a ghastly bloomer," said Broome, of Holbeck's House. "Papers mislaid, no doubt. Why, I signed Harwood's nomination paper myself."
"So did I," said Lake.
"And I," agreed Atack.
"Come, Mr. Librarian, stop rotting," Broome said. "Practical joking in a matter of this kind shows bad taste."
"Have a square look at me, chaps," said the librarian. "Do I look like a jester in cap and bells?"
"More like an ink-bottle with a quill stuck out of it," said Lake.
"Exactly. Then don't accuse me of mucking up my job. Richard Forge alone has been nominated for the Captaincy, and will therefore be elected unopposed."