"That's so. They did; but I never asked them to do it, or electioneered with any of them," responded Sheridan.
"But can't we do something?" suggested Beckwith. "The vote for captain stood forty-eight to forty; and Cantwell's vote was the strength of the opposition. If we can change five votes, we can elect our men."
"Very true; but can you unite your forty votes on two candidates."
"Yes; why not?" asked De Forrest, encouraged by this presentation of the subject.
"Who shall the candidates be?" inquired Sheridan, with a twinkle of the eye. "You want the two most popular fellows in the ship."
"Lincoln for one," said Beckwith.
"Good! He runs well with both parties. You can elect him. Who next?" continued Sheridan.
"I should like to go for the other," said De Forrest.
"I thought so," laughed Sheridan.
"Why shouldn't I go, as well as any other fellow?" demanded the first purser.