For the Honor of the School: A Story of School Life and Interscholastic Sport

“Gordon is elected,” said Don.

“Unanimously!” cried Perkins.

“Fellows,” continued the ex-captain, “I call for three cheers for Gordon.”

And they were given with a will. Wayne, rather pale and uncomfortable, arose.

“Speech! speech!” laughed a number. Wayne cleared his throat, opened his mouth, shut it again, looked appealingly at Don, and sank back into his chair. But the team was not satisfied, and renewed calls for a speech arose.

“Speak your piece, Wayne!” called Dave, and Wayne got up again and started bravely.

“I can’t make a speech. But I thank you for what you’ve done, fellows. I’m afraid you’ve made a mistake in electing me; I don’t know much about athletics, but I’ll learn; perhaps Don here will help me.”

“All I can,” answered that youth readily.

“I’ve learned a good bit since I came to Hillton, and I reckon I can learn more. I’ve learned that it’s a mighty good thing to do as you’re told, and to obey authority, and not to think that you know everything, because you don’t; at least, I don’t.”

“You know how to run!” cried Kendall, and the remark was laughingly applauded.

“As I said,” continued Wayne, “I’m afraid you fellows have made a mistake, but – but I’ll try to prove that you haven’t. I hope every one of you will help me and try to excuse any blunders I may make; for I’m bound to make lots; I’m not Donald Cunningham, you know.”

A murmur of applause arose.

“I never can be as good a captain as he has been – ”

The murmur grew into a cheer, and it was fully a minute ere Wayne could continue.

“And I don’t expect to. But” – he looked earnestly around the circle of flushed and happy faces – “but I’ll try my level best, fellows, and I’ll do all I know how for you and – and for the honor of the school!”

THE END