"And I don't see where your nineteen came from," retorted the successful candidate.
"The whole number of votes was forty-one," added Pelham, who was quite sure there was something wrong.
"The long and short of it is, that there are more fellows on board that 'know beans,' than you thought there were," laughed Shuffles.
"Can you tell me where the forty-one votes came from, Shuffles?" demanded Pelham.
"Came from the fellows, of course."
"It's no use to snuff at it, my dear fellow. I do not purpose to set aside the election. I acknowledge you as captain. Can I do any more?"
"You can't; but you seem disposed to do something more."
"I merely wish to inquire into this thing, and find out how we stand. Had you any idea that forty-one fellows belonged to the Chain?"
"I had not," replied Shuffles, honestly. "I was never more surprised in my life, than when I saw Tom Ellis and Andy Groom vote."
"That was all right. Both of them joined."