human
One moment!
gpt
I have an announcement to make! shouted Hiram after a bit, making his way back to the platform.
human
It is true that you have the right to nominate any one you please--that is, a member of the athletic committee has, and members have the right to vote as they please. But I have to inform this audience that Sister Davis is not yet a fully-qualified member of this committee. That is not just yet.
gpt
Why not? I signed my application, was properly endorsed, and paid in my dues! cried Tom.
human
And so did these other fellows.
gpt
That's right,
human
Very true, went on Hiram coolly. He was master of the situation now, and he knew it.
gpt
But there is a rule of this organization, which states that at the discretion of the chairman, and the manager and captain of the team, or any two of them, new members may be taken on probation for three months, and during that term of probation they have no voting power, so you see----
human
That's an old rule!
gpt
It's never been enforced!
human
It's rotten!
gpt
That's only a trick!
human
It may never have been enforced, but it's going to be _now_! he shouted.
gpt
It was made to cover just such snap cases as this. You tried to work a trick, Tom Davis, but you got left. You and those other lads can't vote for three months, and so the team stands as originally named.
human
But we have no captain--your rule won't work. You said the manager, chairman and captain could apply that rule. Who is the captain?
gpt
Luke Fodick is captain of this nine; isn't he?
human
Aye!
gpt
No!
human
The ayes have it, announced the chairman,
gpt
That ends it, murmured Peaches in Tom's ear.
human
Henry Clay never does preside as chairman. He's only a figurehead for Hiram, and that's well known. Hiram always votes for him. I guess you're beaten Tom.
gpt
I'm afraid so. I wish I'd known about that rule.
human
I'd forgotten it myself, admitted Peaches.
gpt
It's rotten, but you can't do anything unless you outvote Hiram.