"So do I," said the undaunted Puffin.
"No, but really, you know," argued the Secretary, "it must be settled: let me cut the knot. I'll play my solo here."
A howl of opposition now arose. Every performer, exclusive of the Drum and the Triangle, had decided to "go in" for the "show place" in the programme.
"I leave the Society if I do not play my solo here," said Gasper. "I have no more to say!" and he sat down.
"So do I," echoed Puffin, "and get on with 'The Caliph' if you can without a second cornet."
This was clinching matters with a vengeance.
"Look here," interposed the Doctor. "I don't play a solo, so I speak impartially, I hope. Let Gasper play his solo in this part, and Puffin his solo in the best place of the second part of the programme. That'll settle it."
There was a tumult immediately; everybody seemed to be multiplied by ten.
"Don't be a fool," whispered the Doctor to Gasper. "Stick to your right place in the first part; all the swells look for that. They'll be gone before Puffin gets his turn."
Gasper was quiet in a moment.