(3) A third theory, while agreeing that those summoned by general writ were intended to obey the summons, thinks that the smaller Crown tenants were called not exclusively each man for himself, but in a representative capacity. It is thus suggested that a few knights (probably elected for this purpose by their fellows) were expected to attend to represent the others. Dr. Stubbs seems predisposed towards this opinion, although he expresses himself with his usual caution.[508] ----- Footnote 508: See _Const. Hist._, I. 666. “Whether or no the fourteenth article of the Great Charter intended to provide for a representation of the minor tenants-in-chief by a body of knights elected in the county court,” etc. ----- The reasons for rejecting this third theory will be more conveniently discussed in connection with the doctrine of representation. It is perhaps unnecessary to decide between the two others; but it may be suggested, even at the risk of seeming to invent a fourth theory in a series already too numerous, that to the great men who framed the clause it must have been a matter of supreme indifference whether their humbler fellow-tenants attended or stayed away. The general summons expressed neither an urgent desire for their presence, nor yet an intimation that they were not wanted; but merely conformed with the established usage, and left with each “minor baron” the decision whether he should come or stay away. His presence would make little difference upon the deliberations of the magnates.