“Because Coyle had told them that Graham wanted to get the captaincy in order to work up a new scheme that they called self-government?” broke in Hamlin, rapidly.
“Yes, that was it,” assented Gordon. “If they did but know it, that self-government scheme is just about the best thing that I’ve heard of for boys; but they’ve gotten the idea that it means all work and no play—no freedom or good times of any sort—and when Coyle stuffed ’em up with the idea that we, you and Graham, and I, had got a goody-goody sort of plan all fixed and ready to spring on them as soon as Graham was elected, they all kicked, of course, and agreed to vote for Griffin—those that didn’t favor Raleigh.”
“Yes, that’s what I found out, too,” said Hamlin, “and that cad of a Coyle had actually told them that he heard Graham and me talking the thing over, and, true as you live, I hadn’t heard a word of it until to-day.”
“Well, Gordon talked some of them over,” put in Reed.
“And Reed talked more of them over,” added Gordon. “He got all the four he interviewed to promise to vote for Graham, while I only secured three votes.”
“And I, two. That’s nine out of their thirty-three,” said Hamlin, exultantly. “So we’ll put Graham in, won’t we!”
“Don’t be too sure. There’s many a slip, you know,” quoted Gordon; “but I hope the election will go all right now.”
“And won’t Coyle and Barber be mad,” laughed Reed. “I want to sit where I can see ’em when the vote is announced.”
“If the fellows only keep their word, and don’t let on that they’ve changed their minds, it will be a big surprise for Coyle. He’ll be caught in his own trap, for the boys will vote for Graham as he said, only it will be the other Graham,” said Gordon, rising. “I’ve got to study till midnight to make up for the time I’ve spent electioneering,” he added, “but I won’t grudge it if we put in our candidate. I shouldn’t wonder if, before we get through with this business, Coyle should find himself doubly caught in his own trap.”
He would not stop to explain his words, but hurried off with Reed, leaving Hamlin, also, to “burn the midnight oil,” lest he be found wanting in the class next day.