Part 2 (1/2)
The boys laughed heartily.
”The next question is, whom shall we have for president of the club?”
asked Walter. ”I suppose we ought to elect one to-day so we can be regularly organized.”
”Yes, that's so,” agreed Chunky. ”What's the matter with having Tad Butler for president? He knows all about horses, even if he has none himself.”
”But he's not a member of the club,” objected Ned.
”No,” agreed Walter, ”but I had thought we might make him an honorary member. We ought to take him in, someway, for I know he's anxious to join us.”
”Then, I would suggest that we organize first,” advised Ned, who possessed some slight knowledge of parliamentary law. ”You can choose one of us for temporary chairman, and then we will go ahead and form our organization just like a regular club.”
”That's a good plan. Will you be the chairman, Ned?”
”No, Walt. I think I should prefer to be on the floor, where I can talk. Neither the chairman nor president has the right to argue, you know. I'm afraid I shouldn't be of much use to the club if I couldn't talk,” laughed Ned. ”I propose Mr. Stacy Brown, otherwise known as 'Chunky,' for temporary chairman. Chunky is fat, and can appear very dignified when he wants to, even if he doesn't feel that way.”
”That's the idea,” agreed Walter.
”Now, all in favor of Mr. Chunky Brown for presiding officer of the first meeting of the Pony Rider Boys manifest it by saying 'Aye.'”
Ned and Walter voted in the affirmative.
”All opposed, say 'Nay.'”
”Nay!” voted Chunky in a loud voice.
”The Ayes have it. Mr. Stacy Chunky Brown has been duly chosen temporary chairman of the Pony Rider Boys. Mr. Chairman, will you please take the chair and call this meeting to order?” invited Ned Rector, escorting Stacy to a chair which had been placed at one end of the tent for the purpose of receiving him.
Chunky sank into the seat, gazing helplessly about him.
”Well?” urged Ned.
”Do something,” laughed Walter.
”Yes, but what shall I do?”
”Call the meeting to order, of course. What do you think we elected you for? Not to sit up there and look pretty. Call it to order.”
”I do.”
”Help!” pleaded Ned Rector, weakly. ”See here, that's not the way to do it. Is this the first time you have presided at a meeting?”
Chunky, by a nod, informed them that it was.
”Humph!” grunted Ned witheringly. ”Then say after me, 'I now call the meeting of the Pony Rider Boys to order. What is your pleasure, gentlemen?'”
The chairman haltingly repeated the words.
”Now, that's the way to do it,” approved Ned. ”I shouldn't be surprised to see you President of the United States some day. I now move, Mr. Chairman, that Tad Butler be made an honorary member of the club, as well as riding master and manager of the live stock.”
”Second the motion,” added Walter quickly.