“Help it! Of course he can help it if he likes. There’s no written law that head classics are to be captains, if they can’t hold a bat or run a hundred yards, is there?”
“I don’t suppose there is. But who else is there?”
“Why, Bloomfield, of course. He’s just the fellow for it, and the fellows all look up to him.”
“But Bloomfield’s low down in the sixth,” said Coates.
“What’s that to do with it? Felton was a muff at rowing, but he was made captain of the boats all the same while he was cock of the school.”
At this point another monitor entered.
“Ah, Tipper,” said Ashley, “what do you think Coates here is saying? He says Riddell is to be the new captain.”
Tipper burst into a loud laugh.
“That would be a joke! Think of Riddell stroking the school eight at Henley, eh! or kicking off for us against Rockshire! I suppose Coates thinks because Riddell’s a schoolhouse boy he’s bound to be the man. Never fear. You’ll see Parrett’s come to the front at last, my boy!”
“Why, are you to be the new captain?” asked Coates, with a slight sneer.