“If we’re not to be allowed to say a word about the management of the school,” said Game, “I don’t see what right he has to expect us to do his work for him, and keep order.”
“Oh, it won’t do to resign or anything of that sort,” said Ashley. “That would be like funking it altogether.”
“He’ll soon find his mistake out, never fear,” said another. “He won’t listen to us, but he can’t help believing his own eyes.”
“Yes, it can’t go on for long,” said Tipper. “Riddell’s bound to show that he’s not up to his work sooner or later, and I won’t interfere to prevent it.”
“Meanwhile,” said Game, who of all the malcontents was the most honest, “what’s to become of Willoughby? We must keep some sort of order, whoever is captain.”
“Why, whatever authority can we have when the most we can do is to report fellows to that milksop?” said Tipper.
“I’ll tell you what,” said Ashley, “if we’re compelled to call Riddell captain, there’s nothing to prevent us considering another fellow so.”
“What do you mean?” asked some one.
“He means,” said Game, “and it’s not half a bad idea, that if Bloomfield will help us to keep order, we can consider him captain whether he’s called so or not. If once the fellows know they’ll get reported to him, we shall have some sort of authority.”
“Of course,” said Bloomfield, who had not yet spoken, “I’ll do my best to keep order and all that; but as I’m not captain, it’s no use to pretend being it.”