"Give your attention to the report of the committee," said the principal; but this was an unnecessary request, for every student was all attention the moment Murray showed his head above the companionway.
"Whole number of votes, 88," said the chairman "Necessary for a choice, 45; Lieutenant Judson has 1; Commodore Cumberland has 39; Fourth Master Cantwell has 48, and is elected."
The opposition cheered lustily, and laughed their satisfaction, as they beheld the blank dismay of the agitators.
"I'll quit the ship!" cried De Forrest, his face red from the violence of his wrath. "I'll run away the first chance I get."
"So will I," replied Beckwith. "We are sold out."
"Mr. De Forrest," said the principal, in a loud tone, which immediately produced the silence of curiosity.
"Sir," replied the malcontent.
"Did I understand you to say you would leave the ship?"
"I did say so, sir," replied the third lieutenant, who, however, did not intend to be over-heard by the principal. "I didn't mean anything by it."
"It is well you did not. I see that you are not satisfied with this result."