“What does it mean? That’s what I want to know,” added Tommy, his face lighted up with an excitement which threatened a storm. “The fellows seem to be disposed to do things as other corporations do,” I replied, cautiously, for I did not wish to rouse the sleeping lion in the little lord. “Wasn’t I fair and impartial?” demanded he. “I think you were,” I replied; and I did not lose sight of the fact that he had decided against Barnscott, whose motion he favored, when he gave the floor to Wetherstane. “The stockholders voted me down just as though they meant to insult me,” continued Tommy, smartly. “Do you know why they want to go to Grass Springs to elect officers?” “For the sake of the dinner, I suppose,” I answered. “But, Tommy, there is going to be an opposition to you, at this election.” “An opposition to me!” exclaimed the president, amazed at the intelligence. “I have only heard it whispered among the fellows.” “What have I done that the fellows should be down upon me?” “I don’t know that I ought to say anything about it, Tommy. It is really none of my business. I shall vote for you.” “If you know anything about it, tell me,” continued Tommy, rather imperiously. “I only know that there is another ticket for directors in the field.” “And my name is not upon it?” “No, it is not.” Tommy stamped his foot upon the floor, and looked decidedly ugly. I was rather sorry that I had said anything, though it was better for him to be prepared for the result before it was announced. “Wolf, I don’t blame you for this; but I want you to tell me all about it,” said he, after he had partially choked down his wrath. “What have I done to set the fellows against me? What do they say about it?” “They say you put on airs--that you order them around as though you were their master.” “Well, I am president of the road,” said he, as if this were a sufficient explanation; and I think he really considered it very unreasonable in the students to object to his conduct. “I only tell you what the fellows say.” “Wolf, do _you_ think I have put on airs?” demanded he. “So far as I am concerned myself, I haven’t a word of fault to find,” I replied, evasively. “You! Well, you are only a hired hand,” added he, with refreshing candor. “Do you think I have treated the fellows badly?” “Not badly; but you know they are rich men’s sons, and consider themselves as good as you are.” “But my father built this road, and pays for everything. Not a single one of these fellows ever gave a cent for anything.” “I don’t believe the money makes any difference.” “Why don’t you say I’m to blame, if you think so?” snapped he, impatiently. “I believe if you had not been quite so sharp with the fellows they would have liked you better,” I answered, desperately. “You tell them to do this and that, and order them just as though they were servants in your father’s house. They won’t stand it. They are not paid for their work, as I am.”