“Of course he will,” shouted others.
So Calverly announced he would stick in, and Coote had better retire, a suggestion Coote did not even condescend to notice. He was in his “Firm’s” hands, and the “Firm” were determined to fight the thing out till they had not a toe to stand on.
“The simplest way,” said Freckleton, “is to vote again for the two. What do you say, gentlemen of the Den?”
“All right,” roared the Den.
“What’s it to be: ballot or show of hands?”
“Show of hands,” shouted most of them.
“Do you agree to show of hands, you two,” said Freckleton, “or would you sooner have ballot?”
“I’d rather have show of hands,” said Calverly.
“So would Coote,” shouted Dick and Georgie.
“Then those who vote for Calverly hold up one hand,” said Freckleton.