“Well, I’ve listened to what’s been said,” he told them, “and it hasn’t taken me long to form my opinion. I’m no footer man—but I’ve got the interests of the school as much at heart as any of you. And I know Rouse. I’m no fighting man either. I like peace and quiet. Arguments I can’t bear. But I’m afraid a fight and an argument will have to come. The soundest proposal made has been Smythe’s. He says we refuse to accept Rouse’s resignation, and I think you’d like the Head to know that as captain of the school I second that.” There was a pleasant and concerted cheer. He sat down with a slight flush. Then hand-clapping broke out. It grew loud and continuous. Next they began to shout. Some got on to their feet and waved in Rouse’s direction excitedly. The shouting grew into a thunderous ovation. Here and there earnest students like the captain of the school found themselves jumping foolishly on to forms and falling off again in the hopes of getting a really good view of Rouse. It grew louder and more emphatic. The very walls were trembling with enthusiasm. Rouse stood up and tried to stop them. They went on. It may be that they rather hoped the new Head would hear them and ask what it was all about. Toby made no effort to exercise control. As a matter of fact he was smiling. It seemed to him just as well to let them have it out. Eventually it began to die down a little. Fellows were forcing their way towards Rouse and thumping him on the back. Others were reaching for his hand. And above all they were still shouting his name delightedly aloud and making gestures of eternal allegiance to their chosen. In the end it was Smythe who got a hearing first. “It may be as well,” said he, “to decide on the form in which this decision ought to be communicated to the Head. What about a deputation?” “The usual way,” said Toby cheerfully, “would be for me to go along and tell him.” They looked at one another. The point was worth considering. “There are some matters,” said Toby, “that might be better discussed in my absence, of course.” He paused. “If I were to go along and see the Head now you fellows might be talking it over between you, and then if a deputation should be necessary you’d know whom to select to form it.” He waited a moment. There was the loud sound that indicated a crowd’s approval. “Well, sir,” said the captain of the school, rising yet again, “that seems the best thing to do. Would you mind describing to the Headmaster the exact manner in which the proposal to refuse his resignation has been carried, and why it is so strongly supported? I think he ought to know that.” “I think so myself,” said Toby. “I shall certainly tell him.” He moved slowly down the room. There was a pleasant smile upon his face. It was as if a prophecy of his had come true. The counsellors rose as he passed down their midst, and seeing how pleasantly he smiled they slowly answered, and one by one they smiled back at him as he went upon his errand.