Page:Stanwood Pier--Harding of St Timothys.djvu/58

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
38
HARDING OF ST. TIMOTHY'S

for him, or else he'd lose the election. That's it. You see if there is n't a sudden outburst of campaigning for Rupert Ormsby now. And if he is elected, he'll make his society a permanent thing and try to lick the Crown in everything. You see."

"I think you're right," said Albree. "I hope, though, he's started too late."

Herrick's suggestion was most unwelcome to Harry, who was beginning to think, from all that had been told him, that his own election to the presidency of the athletic association was now assured. But if Rupert should suddenly inaugurate an organized effort in opposition, the issue would be placed in doubt. Harry did not feel confident of his own strength. And through the next study hour he sat with an anxious mind, which reproached Rupert for his perfidy. It seemed, after all that Rupert had said, almost incredible that he should have taken this step; yet there was the pin he was wearing as evidence, and the purpose of it seemed to Harry's agitated mind only too clear.