"I am sure Mr. Barry regrets this state of affairs as much as I do," went on President Hopkins. "We all cannot be winners as we go through life; and to accept defeat manfully and philosophically is sometimes just as creditable as wearing the crown of victory." "I never knew he was capable of remarks like that," observed Benny Wilkins, cautiously. In another part of the room Owen Lawrence was saying: "Mighty fine words! But I'd a heap sooner hear the sound of the axe chopping down those no-trespassing signs." "I sincerely trust you will think matters over calmly. Remember: the boys whom you find so much fault with to-day are loyal to the school and deeply interested in its welfare. Therefore, be sure that your prejudices don't mislead you; give them the chance they deserve." As President Hopkins closed his brief address a round of applause followed; but it seemed to come from but a very small portion of the students. "Ha, ha! You will, will you?" laughed Alf Boggs, passing "Crackers" on his way to the class room. "Got called down, eh? Guess that'll hold you fellows for a while." "Brown is so pained he'll never do it again," chirped Benny Wilkins. "Give me that note-book you promised, 'Crackers,' and I'll make an entry: 'End of the Brown agitation.' Ha, ha! Lots of fun going to school, isn't there?" "You'll think so to-morrow," said Brown, ominously. With quick, springy steps Owen Lawrence reached the side of his chief. "I don't like the way the president talked a bit," he snapped. "He practically accused us of being hot-headed and prejudiced. It's all very well to talk about accepting defeat; but what's the use when you don't have to?" "There'll be no accepting defeat here," returned Brown. "What do you think of this idea, Lawrence?" In a low tone he spoke earnestly to his companion. Lawrence nodded. "A capital scheme, Brown!" he cried, enthusiastically. CHAPTER XIX THE VERDICT OF THE SCHOOL If any one ever imagined that Dan Brown would be "held for a while" by the president's remarks they were sadly mistaken. The first thing which attracted Bob Somers' eye on reaching school next morning was a large poster headed: "Indignation Meeting!" "By Jingo, that's interesting," murmured the captain of the regulars, pushing his way through the groups toward it. "Oh, it really is dreadfully awful, Somers!" cried Benny Wilkins. "And everybody thinking, yesterday, that that Brown chap was squelched." He seized Bob by the arm. "Come along. He's said something there that may hurt your feelings." "So I suppose you're trying to support me," returned Bob. He raised his voice. "Hello, Dave!" The stout editor, beaming good-naturedly, as usual, sauntered over. "The blow has fallen, Bob," he laughed. "Have I read it? Oh, yes. Not badly written, either. I wish Brown would scribble an article for the 'Reflector.'"