But he is n't bad yet , and we can keep him up , I 'm sure , if we just try . I hope to get him into the Lodge , and that will be half the battle , wo n't it , Frank ? '' added Ed , sure that this suggestion would have weight with the honorable Chairman . `` Bring him along ; I 'm with you ! '' answered Frank , making up his mind at once , for he had joined the Temperance Lodge four years ago , and already six boys had followed his example . `` He is learning to smoke , but we 'll make him drop it before it leads to worse . You can help him there , Admiral , if you only will , '' added Ed , giving a grateful look at one friend , and turning to the other . `` I 'm your man ; '' and Gus looked as if he knew what he promised , for he had given up smoking to oblige his father , and kept his word like a hero . `` You other fellows can do a good deal by just being kind and not twitting him with old scrapes , and I 'll do anything I can for you all to pay for this ; '' and Ed sat down with a beaming smile , feeling that his cause was won . The vote was taken , and all hands went up , for even surly Joe gave in ; so Bob and Tom were duly elected , and proved their gratitude for the honor done them by becoming worthy members of the club . It was only boys ' play now , but the kind heart and pure instincts of one lad showed the others how to lend a helping hand to a comrade in danger , and win him away from temptation to the safer pastimes of their more guarded lives . Well pleased with themselves -- for every genuine act or word , no matter how trifling it seems , leaves a sweet and strengthening influence behind -- the members settled down to the debate , which was never very long , and often only an excuse for fun of all sorts . `` Ralph , Gus , and Ed are for , and Brickbat , Grif , and Chick against , I suppose ? '' said Frank , surveying his company like a general preparing for battle . `` No , sir ! I believe in co-everything ! '' cried Chick , a mild youth , who loyally escorted a chosen damsel home from school every day . A laugh greeted this bold declaration , and Chick sat down , red but firm . `` I 'll speak for two since the Chairman ca n't , and Jack wo n't go against those who pet him most to death , '' said Joe , who , not being a favorite with the girls , considered them a nuisance and lost no opportunity of telling them so . `` Fire away , then , since you are up ; '' commanded Frank .
`` Well , '' began XXXXX , feeling too late how much he had undertaken , `` I do n't know a great deal about it , and I do n't care , but I do not believe in having girls at college .
Admiral Bob Chick Ed Frank Grif Jack Joe Ralph Tom