“Skin,” said Fred.

“To change his skin, as for such a fellow to be like us.  He will lie, swear,—­”

“The chair thinks the member’s remarks are not strictly in order,” interposed Frank, who was much pained to hear his friend use such violent language.

He saw that Charles was smarting under the effects of the ridicule which his companions had cast upon him, and that, in his struggle to make a speech, and thus redeem himself from the obloquy of a failure, he had permitted his impulses to override his judgment.

“I forbear, then,” continued the speaker.  “But I beg the club to consider the probable consequences of admitting such a fellow into the association.  We have thus far enjoyed a good reputation, and we ought to be very careful how we tamper with our respectability.”

“Ahem!” said Fred.

“Order!”

“A good name is rather to be chosen than—­than purple and fine linen.”

“Than what!” exclaimed Fred.

“Great riches,” added Frank, with a smile, and even he was forced to admit “that the member was singularly unfortunate in his quotations.”

“You have my opinion, gentlemen,” said Charles, “and I don’t know that I have any thing more to say at present;” and, much disconcerted, he sat down.

But though cast down, he was not destroyed; and in justice to his companions, it must be remarked that he had frequently annoyed the club by his attempts to make speeches more learned and ornate than his capacity would allow.  Frank had reasoned with him on his propensity to “show off,” but without effect, so that he did not feel so much sympathy for him at the present time as he would have felt under other circumstances.

“The question is still open for discussion,” said the chairman.

No one, however, seemed disposed to speak.

“Question!” called Fred Harper.

“Question!” repeated several others.

“Are you ready for the question?” continued the chairman.

“Question!”

“All those in favor of admitting Tim Bunker as a member of the club will signify it in the usual way.”

Ten hands were raised.

“Contrary minded.”

Charles, feeling that he was on the wrong side, did not vote against the measure, and it was declared to be a unanimous vote.

“The other matter, requiring the action of the club, relates to the proposed race between the Butterfly and the Zephyr.  Several gentlemen of Rippleton feel a deep interest in the two boat clubs, and have proposed to put up a prize to be awarded to the successful club.  I understand that fifty dollars have been subscribed for this purpose.  The question is, Shall we pull for this prize?”

“When?” asked Fred.

“The clubs may choose their own time.”

“It wouldn’t be fair till the Butterfly has had a chance to practise a while.”

“Of course not; the Butterfly may accept the proposition or not, and the club can select their own time.”