"Well, I hope Bart gets the forty-two votes."
"I have been doing a little figuring, and I think he can count on at least thirty-one votes. But I am not so sure of the other eleven."
The election of officers was made the occasion of a holiday at Putnam Hall. Immediately after breakfast, the battalion was formed and marched around the campus and then to the gymnasium. Here Captain Putnam made a little speech, in which he announced that the balloting for a major would be immediately followed by the balloting for one captain and then the other, and then for the lieutenants.
"It is now nine-thirty," concluded Captain Putnam. "Balloting for a new major will take place promptly at ten o'clock."
"Captain Putnam, may I say a word?" asked Major Jack, saluting with his sword.
"Certainly, Major Ruddy."
"Fellow cadets," began Jack, in a clear, steady voice. "All I wish to say is this: As major of the Putnam Hall Battalion I have enjoyed myself very much, and I trust my successor, whoever he may be, will have as good a time. I understand that some of you want to vote for me again. Let me say that I am not a candidate, and will not accept the office even if elected. I expect to leave this institution next June, and in the meantime hope to devote my time mostly to my studies. I thank you for your attention."
"Hurrah!" shouted a number of the cadets.
"Three cheers for Major Ruddy!" shouted Pepper, and they were given with a will.
"We'll never get a better major!" called out one enthusiastic cadet.