"Consequently, nobody is elected. Another vote will be taken immediately after dinner," and then the companies were re-formed and marched into the mess hall.
"Fred Garrison is ahead!" came in a whisper from every side.
"Good for you, Fred!"
"Mumps only got a dozen votes," came from one of the little boys.
"He won't get my vote next time."
"Nor mine," chimed in his chum.
"Don't worry, Dick," whispered Tom. "The final result isn't reached yet. Somebody has got to drop out first."
The dinner finished, the boys gathered in knots to talk the question over. Soon the line was re-formed for a second ballot.
At that moment Fred Garrison stepped forward.
"Fellow students!" he cried. "One word before you vote. I wish to withdraw from the contest, doing so in favor of two of my friends, Dick Rover and George Granbury. I thank those who voted for me before from the bottom of my heart."
"Hurrah for Fred!" came from a score of throats, and a cheer rent the air. "We won't forget you next time, old man!"
Soon the second ballot was cast, and amid another silence Captain
Putnam read it off: