“Suppose we start it ourselves?” suggested the captain; “I’m a Welcher now, you know. I don’t see why, because Tucker and Silk object, the whole house should be done out of its cricket.”
“No more do I,” said Philpot.
“They’ll kick up a jolly row with us, though,” said Morgan.
“I don’t think so,” said Riddell. “At any rate, that’s no reason why there shouldn’t be a club.”
“All serene!” said Cusack, warming up to the notion, and quite forgetting “Bouncer.”
“I say, Riddell, couldn’t we start it now?”
“Yes, certainly,” said Riddell; “why not? I propose Cusack be the secretary.”
“Oh, I say!” cried that youth, blushing, half with pleasure and half with embarrassment; “you’d better be that, Riddell.”
“Oh, no,” said Riddell, laughing, “I don’t know the fellows so well as you. If you were secretary, and Pilbury or Philpot treasurer, I’d be president, or something of that sort, if you like.”
The idea of the new club took like wildfire, and an enthusiastic consultation followed. It was resolved to summon a meeting next day of all who took an interest in the sport, and to arrange for a trial match at once. Riddell went as warmly into the details as any one, and took every opportunity of working up the patriotic spirit of his younger companions.