“Reed, you know that someone put that pony in my desk without my knowledge?”
“I do,” said Reed, promptly; “I heard the whole thing planned.”
“Well then, for my sake, I beg that you will never tell anyone anything more about it. And boys, once more for my sake, don’t let what Reed has said make any difference in your treatment of anyone in the school. Will you all promise?”
Very reluctantly was the promise given, but it was given.
After school it was decided that Gordon, Hamlin and Reed should see that day as many as possible of the twenty boys referred to, in Company C. Then the three were to meet at Hamlin’s house to compare notes and see if there was any chance of Graham’s election. If not, they must decide whether or not they should refer the matter to Prof. Keene.
At ten o’clock that night, Hamlin was walking impatiently back and forth in the library, listening for quick footsteps or a whistle outside. He heard the steps at last, and had the door open before the whistle had fairly sounded, and in another moment he had pushed Gordon and Reed into a couple of easy-chairs, and was saying, eagerly:—
“Well, what luck did you have? I’m dying to know, as the girls say.”
“Prime luck,” cried Reed, while Gordon added, “We’ll put Graham in, unless I’m much mistaken.”
“But what did you find out?” questioned Hamlin, impatiently.
“I saw six of the best fellows in Company C. Two of them were going to vote for Graham, anyhow. The other four were determined not to vote for him,” said Gordon.