“I’d like to say—if I can make myself heard—that I second the nomination of Harven, and I move that we cut out the red tape and declare him unanimously elected!”
“Seconded!” “Atta boy! Let’s call it a day!” “Harven!”
Jack rapped strenuously. “We’ll have to do this in order,” he announced. “Are there any further nominations?” He looked inquiringly at Leonard, but Leonard, into whose ear Leo Burns was talking emphatically, made no move. Jack whanged the lid down. “We’ll proceed to ballot,” he said gravely. “Gentlemen, is it your pleasure——”
“Hold on!” That was Stuart. In spite of the efforts of Muirgart and Thurston, beside him, he managed to get to his feet. “I’m—I—It’s mighty good of you fellows, and I appreciate it, but I can’t accept. I mean it. I’ll work hard next year and do all I know how, but you’ve got to elect some other chap. I had my whack at being captain, and I made a mess of it, and I’m through. Any one of you will do better than I could. I nominate Howard Tasker. He——”
“You’re out of order, Mr. Harven,” said Jack sternly. “The nominations are closed!”
“All right, but——”
Jack pounded vigorously, and Stuart, still protesting, was yanked back into his chair.
“I move that a standing vote be taken, Mr. Chairman!” called Littlefield. Several seconds were heard.
“Moved and seconded,” droned Jack, “um-um-those in favor-um-contrary minded-um-um-carried! Are you ready for the vote? Those in favor of the election of Stuart Harven to the captaincy will rise and remain standing while——”
Every one save Stuart was on his feet in the instant, cheering, and the balance of Jack’s oration was lost. Even Coach Haynes found himself standing, and, smiling apologetically, sat down again. Leonard, who had entertained the mistaken idea of nominating Hanson, was shouting as loud as any. Jack’s announcement of the result wasn’t heard beyond the sugar bowl whose lid he was rapidly pounding out of shape. Tom Muirgart, grinning, rumpled Stuart’s hair.