At present you may be indifferent, a little bored, perhaps, at this experiment, but you will like it--I am sure you will like it. I prophesy it will interest you once you get started." Hickey lingered after the meeting to explain that the duties incident to the organising of such an important undertaking had unfortunately deprived him of the time necessary to prepare his advanced algebra. "Well, that is a little matter we'll overlook, Hicks," said the enthusiast genially. "I congratulate you on your selection, an admirable committee, one that inspires confidence. Keep me in touch with developments and call on me for advice at any time." "Yes, indeed, sir." "Good luck." "Thank you, sir." A half hour later Hickey announced the addition of the following professional politicians: Tough McCarthy, Doc Macnooder, The Triumphant Egghead, Slugger Jones, Turkey Reiter, Cheyenne Baxter, Jock Hasbrouck, Butcher Stevens, Rock Bemis and Bat Greer. The reinforced committee then met, divided equitably, and having tossed for sides, announced their organisation, as follows: FEDERALIST PARTY _Chairman_: THE HON. TOUGH MCCARTHY _Vice-Chairman_: THE HON. GINGER POP ROOKER ANTI-FEDERALIST PARTY _Chairman_: HON. CHEYENNE BAXTER _Vice-Chairman_: HON. HICKEY HICKS The school was at first apathetic, then mildly interested. The scheme was examined with suspicion as perhaps being a veiled attempt of the faculty to increase the already outrageous taxes on the mind. It looked prosy enough at first glance--perhaps an attempt to revive the interest in debating and so to be fiercely resisted. For an hour the great campaign for political education hung fire and then suddenly it began to catch on. A few leading imaginations had seen the latent possibilities. In another hour apathy had disappeared and every house was discussing the momentous question whether to go Fed or Anti-Fed. The executive committee of the Federalist party met immediately, on a call from the Honourable Cheyenne Baxter, in the Triumphant Egghead's rooms for organisation and conference. "We've got the short end of it, all right, all right," said Butcher Stevens gloomily. "The idea of our standing up for the faculty." "That's right, Cheyenne," said Turkey, shaking his head. "We'll be left high and dry." "We won't carry any house outside the Dickinson and the Woodhull," said Slugger Jones. "I'd like to make a suggestion," said Crazy Opdyke. "We've got to plan two campaigns," said Cheyenne, "one for the election from the forms and one for the control of the houses. Let's take up the forms--the fourth form will go solidly against us." "Sure," said Doc Macnooder, "because if we win they lose control of the finances." "I have a suggestion," said Crazy Opdyke for the second time.