“We don’t want any nominating speeches; let’s vote,” shouted Creelton. “We know whom we want for president, so pass around the ballots.”
Himski looked pleased. He had been conducting a vigorous campaign for Ralph and every one had seemingly assented. In fact a very complete secret canvas had been going on for Himski, of which the latter was in entire ignorance. So Himski, thinking that Ralph had been settled on by all for class president, was delighted with what he believed to be the success of his electioneering. The votes were cast and the ballots were quickly collected and then counted by tellers, of whom Bollup was one.
“I’m ready to announce the result of the election,” called out Bollup in a few minutes.
“Order, order,” shouted Himski. “Now, Mr. Bollup, we’ll go through the form of hearing your report, though I guess we all know who’s been elected.” And Himski smiled in a superior way, though he was perplexed at the shout of laughter that greeted his words.
“Here it is,” cried Bollup. “For class president, Osborn,—one—— Say, Os, did you vote for yourself?”
A look of amazement spread over Himski’s face.
“For Himskihumskonski,” continued Bollup, “ninety-one—— Look here, Os, you’ve a chance to do the right thing and move the vote be made unanimous.”
A shout of laughter went up.
Himski was stupefied with surprise. “I voted for Os,” he said in a feeble, bewildered way; “I thought we were all going to; I had no idea any one was going to vote for me.”
All laughed, well pleased with the completeness of the surprise. Himski had the good-will and entire respect of all of his classmates, and after he had been suggested for the class presidency it seemed natural for everybody to vote for him.