The Brownies became very curious indeed, and scarcely could wait until the votes were counted.
Finally, the task was completed. Again Mr. McLean mounted the platform. He was smiling broadly.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” he said, clapping his hands for attention. “I shall now give you the results of the balloting.”
The Brownies moved closer so that they would not miss the important announcement.
Mr. McLean read off the names of five leading candidates. “Miss Marana Jones, 43 votes. Miss Eva Parkhurst, 51 votes. Miss Esther Illman, 64 votes. Miss Geraldine Gainsworth, 75 votes. Miss Martha Fellows, 79 votes—”
A few persons in the audience began to clap, for Miss Fellows was the leading candidate. Only the five girls had given their names to the committee. Even the Brownies thought that she had been elected as the festival queen.
Mr. McLean, however, held up his hand in a signal for silence.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” he boomed. “We also have write-in candidates. I now give you The Winner with 1,398 votes—”
The crowd became very quiet. Everyone listened.
“The Brownies!” announced the Chamber of Commerce president.