"Number one!" he announced. "Hear ye! Hear ye! The solemn work of Ned Nestor, Chief of the Wolf Pack!"
"Never mind the comedy, Jimmie! What does he say?"
"He says to remain neutral, whatever that is!" replied Jimmie. "Then this next fellow," he continued, reaching for another ballot, "has made a picture of a potato vine as his sentiments. That's surely some fine artist! That picture makes me hungry!"
"That's mine!" declared Jack. "That's an olive branch!"
"Thanks!" dryly responded Jimmie, reaching for another ballot. "This one," he went on, "has made a picture of the Stars and Stripes!"
"I'll take that!" cried Harry. "Old Glory Forever!"
"Noble sentiments for a Black Bear!" was Jimmie's comment. "Now this last fellow has made a picture of a Hawk or a Falcon or an Owl. I can't tell exactly which it is intended to represent!"
"That's your ballot, let's see it!" cried Jack, reaching for the paper. "I don't believe you're much of an artist!"
A friendly argument resulted in which it was left as a matter of doubt whether Jimmie had intended to draw a picture of the Dove of Peace or the American Eagle. Much good-natured chaffing resulted, but it was decided that either bird would serve as a vote for neutrality.
"Now, Ned, it's up to you to inform the captain that we are much obliged for his kindness, but that we'll stick to the U. S. A.!"