“I believe he would,” agreed Bollup. “Now if you don’t want it, suppose we electioneer for Himski. He’s a fine fellow; there isn’t a better man in the class. We’ll have a surprise party for him next week. He is working for you, thinks you’re sure to be elected president. Now we won’t say a word to him and we’ll keep him in the dark. It’ll be a regular joke.” And Bollup laughed heartily at the surprise he conjured in his mind that was to happen to his own roommate.
“By the way, Os, have you heard that both the superintendent and commandant are detached?”
“No; by George, I’m sorry!” And Ralph looked the dismay he felt. “They were my protectors; I have felt safe with them here; are you sure they are going to leave?”
“Yes, their orders have come and I suppose they will leave immediately. The admiral goes to command the Pacific Squadron and the commandant is ordered to command the cruiser Albany.”
“I am indeed sorry to hear that; I fear that something bad may happen to me, and the new commandant won’t know about what has already occurred.”
“Don’t worry, Os,” said Bollup affectionately, laying his arm on Ralph’s shoulder; “we’ll look out for you, and if anything should happen we’ll let the new commandant know what has gone on before.”
On a Saturday night, a week later, a meeting of the third class was called in the reading-room for the purpose of electing class officers. The third classmen went to the hall immediately after supper. Bollup elected himself temporary spokesman, and said: “We’re here to elect class officers. I move that Himski be made temporary chairman until the ballots are cast.”
“Second the motion,” called out Ralph. The motion was unanimously carried, and Himski, to his great surprise, took charge of the meeting. “I see my good friend Bollup has caught you unawares,” he said. “I imagine if Bollup had nominated the man in the moon you’d have elected him.”
“Right you are, old man,” called out Streeter, provoking much laughter from the youths present, all of whom were in the mood for fun.
“Nominating speeches for class president are in order,” said Himski.