He looked round fiercely, as if defying anybody else to speak. But, finally, it was shown that he could not carry off the bluff. Billy Faraday spoke in his quiet voice.
"Jack Symonds—my nomination," he said.
"I second that," another Cree spoke quickly, and there was a murmur of approval.
"Anybody else?" Cummles's tone was distinctly nasty by now, and he glared at Bill savagely. "No—well, we'll have a show of hands."
This time he frowned round on the Crees with real anger. He was not a bad general, and he thought that by this show of force he would intimidate any wavering members, and make them feel that it was perhaps better to vote for him and feel safe.
The upraised hands for Cummles were counted slowly; there were twenty-one. And then the Symonds vote was counted.
"Twenty-one also," said the Cree deputed to tell the votes.
"Dead heat!"
"Wait a moment," said Cummles. "As chairman, I have right to a casting vote, and I—"
"Rot—it's a swindle!"