"Very well, then I will appoint the tellers, and you——"
"One moment, if you please," interrupted Dutton, as he arose. "There has been a slight mistake made. There are only two candidates in the field—Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Rutley. I wish to withdraw in favor of Mr. Hamilton. You—you all know what he did last night—for me," faltered Ray, and his voice was a trifle husky. "After that I could not stand against him in the election."
"Yes, you will—I insist!" cried Dick, jumping up. "I don't want you to withdraw."
"You can't help yourself, old man!" cried Ray heartily, playfully shaking his fist at Dick. "I want all you fellows who were going to vote for me to vote for Dick Hamilton—that is unless you are committed to Frank Rutley," and he bowed in the direction of that cadet.
"No one can vote for me—I'm out of it!" called out Frank. "I'm for Hamilton."
"Hurray!" cried Paul Drew.
"Three cheers for Dick Hamilton!" sung out someone, and how those cheers were given!
"Do I understand that both you young gentlemen withdraw?" asked Mr. Martin.
"I do," answered Ray.
"Same here!" called Frank.