"That's right!" cried another of the cadets. "But how?"
"Let us try to make up a slate," proposed Jack, who was something of a politician. "Harry Blossom and Dave Kearney might withdraw in favor of Bart Conners if the fellows promised to support them for the two captaincies."
"Let us see if it can be done," returned Pepper, quickly. "Hustle now, for we've got to vote again in fifteen minutes."
They hurried around and interviewed Blossom and Kearney, and about twenty other cadets. As a consequence, the pair named said they would withdraw in favor of Bart Conners if supported for the captaincies later. In the meantime Henry Lee said he would drop out also, since he expected to leave school in June.
Once again the ballots were cast, and now it was easy to see that Bart, Ritter and Baxter were exceedingly anxious. Both Ritter and Baxter did their best to gain the votes dropped by Henry Lee and Paul Singleton.
"I will read the result," said Captain Putnam, a few minutes later. And amid a breathless silence, he read the following:
| "Whole number of votes cast, 83. |
| Necessary to a choice, 42. |
| Robert Grenwood has 5. |
| Reffton Ritter has 10. |
| Daniel Baxter has 12. |
| Bart Conners has 56." |
"Hurrah for Bart Conners!" shouted half a dozen cadets in chorus.
"Bart Conners is declared elected major for the ensuing term," went on Captain Putnam. "Major Conners, allow me to congratulate you," and he came forward and held out his hand.
"And let me congratulate you, too," added Major Jack, and he shook hands also.