This vote, therefore, was far from being a
compliment. As for the other vote, John Haynes himself best knew
by whom it was cast.
The boys began to prepare their votes for first lieutenant.
John brightened up a little. He felt that it would be something
to gain this office. But when the result of the balloting was
announced it proved that he had but a single vote.
There were several scattering votes. The two prominent candidates
were Dick Bumstead, who received eight votes, and Charles
Reynolds, who received thirty-two, and was accordingly declared
elected.
No one was more surprised by this announcement than Dick. He felt
quite bewildered, not having the slightest expectation of being a
candidate. He was almost tempted to believe that the votes had
only been cast in jest.
But Dick was destined to a still greater surprise. At the next
vote, for second lieutenant, there were five scattering votes.
Then came ten for Wilbur Summerfield, and Richard Bumstead led
off with thirty-four, and was accordingly declared elected.
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