"Roycroft, Roycroft! Speech—speech!"
This cry was caught up and repeated until the big fellow was literally forced to take his place beside Dan Brown.
Only husky throats and tired lungs brought the quiet for which Dan Brown was pleading.
"Look out—there'll be a perfectly good box busted under that ton weight!" piped Victor Collins.
"Fellows, I appreciate your kindness," said the big captain of the "Hopes." "I only want to do the right thing for the school. We all know that every effort should be made to win Mr. Barry's field; and I'm afraid the regular team is not equal to the job. I am one of those who believe the majority counts. If you agree with Brown—and it looks very much as if you do—all I have to say is: give us your support."
"We will—we will!"
"Our team is going to develop rapidly. We ask you to watch its progress."
As Earl stepped down, to be slapped enthusiastically upon the shoulder by Owen Lawrence, Brown spoke up:
"If any of the officers of the athletic association or the Ramblers are present I invite them to state their side of the case. That's fair enough, isn't it?"
There was an instant of tense silence.