As before, Elmer Dow was keenly on the alert to prevent fraud, and “repeating” was not attempted. One “call down” had been given, and that was enough to make the tricky fellows wary.
After a while the voting decreased. Three times Dow asked if all the votes were in, and each time from the rear of the room came a shout for him to hold on. He waited as one last voter was hurried down the aisle by the Arlington workers, and then he declared the balloting closed.
“Arlington has carried it,” said Singleton regretfully.
“Hi don’t believe hit!” exclaimed Billy Bradley.
“I’m gosh-darn afuf-fuf-fraid of it!” admitted Chip Jolliby.
The gathering watched the counting of the votes, seeing them singled out into three piles. Then there was some figuring on paper, and Dick Merriwell was heard to say: “That’s right.”
The chairman rapped, but the meeting was silent and anxious already.
“Gentlemen,” said Dow, “listen to the vote. Whole number cast, 253.”
“Fifteen more than before,” said Smart, to his companions.
“Necessary for choice,” announced Dow, “127. Chester Arlington has 111; George Hardy, 101; Joseph Savage, 41. Therefore——”