THE COLLEGE AND THE CIRCUS
could happen to the college. I am heartily opposed to passing this resolution." He paused for some one to say something, so he could argue about it. Every one was silent. "I say I am heartily opposed to it," he repeated. But they only looked puzzled; they did not believe him. There was a deeper silence now. One of Stehman's intimates, a far-sighted fellow, leaned over toward him and whispered: "Don't, I tell you, old man; don't! They won't understand it; it will—will only hurt you." This meant that it would kill Stehman's prospects for the Senior class Presidency, but Jack, who had thought of that, only waved him aside. Even now it was not too late—he could turn it off, he knew, by saying, "I say, I am opposed to it, but since it is necessary, why, let's make a clean job of it and do it well," which would have been received with roars of applause and approval. He wavered for a moment, then said so emphatically that no one could misunderstand: "I am going to do all in my power"—he brought his big fist down on the desk—"to prevent what you
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