had he not been to a great extent under Duncan's influence he might
have been a first-rate fellow.

Of course, as is the fashion among men as well as boys, all the others
groaned at the pun; and then Ellery broke in:--

"Come, come, this will never do. Go ahead with Strong, Dunc."

"I intend to," was the president's rejoinder. "But you all promised to
stick by me, and I don't want any one to back out."

"I'm not backing out," put in Moran. "I only want to hurry matters
up."

There was a pause after this speech, then Duncan addressed me:--

"Perhaps you are anxious to know why I brought you here?"

"Not particularly," I returned coldly.

Duncan gave a sniff.

"I guess that's all put on."

"Not at all. What I am anxious to know is, what you intend to do with
me."

"Well, first of all I want you to get down on your knees and apologize
for your conduct toward me this morning."