“He got all the votes that were cast for Baxter and White!” cried Fred.
“Right you are!” added Gif. “Gabe Werner did not get a single vote more than he had before.”
“And that was two less than he got at the start,” added Spouter.
“I hereby declare Jack Rover duly elected captain of Company C for the ensuing term,” said Captain Dale. “Captain Rover, if you will come forward, I shall be glad to shake hands with you,” he added. And then, as Jack walked to the platform to grasp the instructor’s hand, there was a great burst of applause.
“Never mind, Gabe. We’ll make you lieutenant again, anyway,” declared Bill Glutts, while this scene was being transacted.
“I don’t want to be lieutenant again!” howled Gabe. “If they don’t want me for a captain, they needn’t have me for anything. I’ll decline to run!” And thus speaking, Gabe Werner marched out of the room in great disgust.
“He sure is a sweet one!” was Gif’s comment.
A little while later it was announced that the balloting for lieutenants would begin. The names of eight aspirants were put up, including that of Fred Rover. There was a good deal of wire-pulling, and it took nine ballots to decide the various choices. But in the end Fred became the first lieutenant of the company of which Jack had been made captain.
“Good for you, Fred! I congratulate you!” cried Jack, catching his cousin by the hand.