counsel from our director; but my father declines giving me any advice,
and says he prefers that we should discuss the questions independently;
though, as you all know, if our final action is wrong, he will--he
will--"

"Veto it," added Fred Harper.

"Yes, he will not permit us to do a wrong, though he wants us to think
for ourselves, and do the best we can."

"Precisely so; he wants--" Charles Hardy begun.

"Order!" said Frank, with gentle firmness. "The first question is this:
Tim Bunker, who has recently been discharged from the house of
correction, has applied to be admitted as a member of the club, in place
of Tony Weston, resigned. Shall he be admitted?"

"Mr. President, I move that he be not admitted," said Charles.

"Is the motion seconded?"

There was no response. The members all felt that it was a very delicate
matter, and that it required careful deliberation.

"The motion is not seconded, and, of course, cannot be entertained,"
continued the president.

"I move that he be admitted," said Fred Harper.

"Second the motion," added William Bright.