"Yes—I will—not," growled the boy.
"Do I hear any one second the motion?" asked Sandow again. "If not, we will proceed to ballot."
The words drew the eyes of the boys to the speaker, and under cover of their distraction, Fred made his way to Bronson, to whom he spoke vehemently, with the result that just as the leader of the Firsts started to hand out the ballots, a voice cried:
"I second the motion!"
Instantly the boys turned to see who had spoken, but they were too late.
"The motion is made and seconded that Bart Montgomery be elected captain of the Second Baxter football team by acclamation," announced Sandow. "All in favor say 'Aye.' Contrary, 'No.' The 'Ayes' have it."
"Snap judgment! Move a roll call!" protested Shorty Simms.
The leader of the Firsts, however, ignored the comment.
"In consequence of this vote," he continued, "I declare Bart Montgomery elected to the captaincy. All members and candidates for the Second be on the campus at three, this afternoon, for practice. Meeting's adjourned."
Their favorite elected, Bart's followers crowded about Fred, slapping him on the back, and telling him he was a good fellow, their anger at his decision not to play forgotten in their triumph.