There was another laugh at this frank confession and then Dolph suggested that they get busy with the election. It was the custom to elect to the captaincy a fellow who would be in his senior year, which narrowed the list of candidates to three: Sam Phillips, Harry Smythe and George Truesdale. Dolph as retiring captain had the privilege of making the first nomination.
“There are three first team fellows,” he said, “any one of whom would make a good leader for next year. They have all worked hard and all have contributed to the team’s success this year and last. But there’s one of the three who has done a little more than the others, a chap who has got us out of many a tight hole, a chap who is always cheerful and jolly, always cool-headed—no matter if the bases are full with none out!—a chap whom we all like and admire and respect and one who, I believe, will make as good a captain as Maple Ridge has ever had. Fellows, I have the honor and pleasure to nominate Sam Phillips.”
Every one clapped and cheered, and the nomination was vociferously seconded. Sam, with reddened cheeks, seized his spoon and began anew on the ice cream. Ted, laughing, took the plate away from him. Gus Turnbull claimed recognition.
“Without wishing to say a word against Sam, for Sam is all Dolph says he is—and more—I want to propose for the captaincy a fellow who has played on the team for three years and who has always worked hard and deserves recognition for—for his services. I nominate George Truesdale.”
More applause. “I second the nomination,” said Wales.
Then Morton Prince nominated Harry Smythe, and Smythe jumped to his feet. “I decline,” he said. “Much obliged, but I decline. I’m not the sort to be captain. I’d be scared to death, for one thing. I—I never could look haughty enough, you know, and you’ve simply got to look haughty, fellows. Leave me out, please.” And Harry sat down amidst laughter.
“Are there any other nominations?” asked Dolph. “If not we’ll take a vote.”
“Vote!” was the cry.
“Then those in favor of Phillips will arise and those in favor of Truesdale will remain seated!”
There was a scraping of chairs as sixteen of the fellows arose, Truesdale with them. Dolph counted them.