During the few days which followed their gallant but unsuccessful
attempt to "back up" Tom White, the "Firm" found plenty to think about
nearer home.
The rumour of the revolution in the "Select Sociables" spread rapidly
over Templeton, and Freckleton was almost mobbed more than once by his
new admirers. However, he kept his head, and steered his new ship
craftily and carefully. By appealing to the patriotism and honour of
his "Sociables," he succeeded in getting the rules so amended and
purified, that in a few days, instead of being a select Club of the
worst characters in Templeton, its constitution was open enough to admit
any boy who in any way proved himself a credit to the school.
A still more important step was the voluntary disbanding of the old Club
for the purpose of placing the new rules before a meeting of the whole
school. This was not an easy thing to accomplish, for the old members
knew, most of them, that their qualifications were the reverse of those
which would make them eligible for membership according to the new
rules. They therefore clung tenaciously to their hold, and it was not
until Freckleton compromised the matter by promising to hold them
eligible for election to the new Club, and exempt them from the
conditions other fellows would have to fulfil to become eligible, that
they finally gave way.
It was a great day when, by virtue of a personal invitation to each boy
in the Hermit's name, Templeton met together in the Great Hall to put
the new Club on its feet.
It was remarked at this meeting that the Sixth took their places as
ordinary Templetonians in the body of the hall, and not on the dais, and
that the Den, which usually herded together at the lower end, was
distributed here and there impartially.
In fact, everyone was equal to-day, and the very knowledge of the fact
seemed to put dignity and order into the assembly.
After rather an awkward pause, during which it seemed doubtful how the
business ought to begin, Freckleton stepped up on to the platform. His
appearance was greeted by cheers, which, however, he immediately
extinguished.
"I think," said he, quietly, "as this is quite a private meeting, you
will all see cheering is hardly the thing. Suppose we do without it.
It is very good of you fellows to come here in such numbers, and I only
hope you'll not hesitate to say what you think about the proposal I am
going to make--for the question is one which the whole school ought to
decide, and not any one particular clique or set among us. (Hear,
hear.) You, all of you, know I believe, what the object of the meeting
is. Up till quite recently we had a Club in Templeton which rejoiced in
the name of the 'Select Sociables.' (Laughter.) It wasn't a public
Club--(laughter)--but most of the school, I fancy, had heard of its
existence. (Laughter.) Gentlemen laugh, but I assure them I am telling
the truth, and have good reason to know what I am talking about, as I
happened to be the president of the 'Select Sociables.' (Hear, hear.)
We found the Club wasn't altogether flourishing. (Laughter.) Some of
the rules wanted looking to, and a few of the members were not exactly
the best specimens of Templeton form. (Loud laughter.) Gentlemen think
there was a joke in that, I suppose. I didn't see it myself. We put
our heads together to see how the Club could be improved, and I am bound
to say the old members came forward most patriotically and gave up their
undoubted rights, in order to make the Club a thoroughly Templeton
affair."
Cheers were raised here for the old "Sociables," who never felt so
virtuous in all their lives.
"Now you want to hear what our proposal is. You'll understand it best
if I read the rough rules which the committee has drawn up:--"