“Speech! speech!” exclaimed half a dozen, vociferously.

Dick looked a little confused, and tried to escape the call.  But the boys were determined to have him up, and he was finally compelled to rise, looking and feeling rather awkward But his natural good sense and straightforwardness came to his aid, and he acquitted himself quite creditably.

This was Dick’s speech: 

“Boys, I don’t know how to make speeches, and I s’pose you know that as well as I do.  I hardly knew who was meant when Richard Bumstead’s name was mentioned, having always been called Dick, but if it means me, all I can say is, that I am very much obliged to you for the unexpected honor.  One reason why I did not expect to be elected to any office was because I ain’t as good a scholar as most of you.  I am sure there are a great many of you who would make better officers than I, but I don’t think there’s any that will try harder to do well than I shall.”

Here Dick sat down, very much astonished to find that he had actually made a speech.  His speech was modest, and made a favorable impression, as was shown by the noisy stamping of feet and shouts of “Bully for you, Dick!” “You’re a trump!” and other terms in which boys are wont to signify their approbation.

Through all this John Haynes looked very much disgusted, and seemed half-decided upon leaving the room.  He had some curiosity, however, to learn who would be elected to the subordinate offices, and so remained.  He had come into the room with the determination not to accept anything below a lieutenancy, but now made up his mind not to reject the post of orderly sergeant if it should be offered to him.  The following list of officers, however will show that he was allowed no choice in the matter: 

      Captain, Frank Frost. 
      First Lieutenant, Charles Reynolds. 
      Second Lieutenant, Richard Bumstead. 
      Orderly Sergeant, Wilbur Summerfield. 
      Second Sergeant, Robert Ingalls. 
      Third Sergeant, Moses Rogers. 
      First Corporal, Tom Wheeler. 
      Second Corporal, Joseph Barry. 
      Third Corporal, Frank Ingalls.

The entire list of officers was now read and received with applause.  If there were some who were disappointed, they acquiesced good-naturedly, with one exception.

When the applause had subsided, John Haynes rose and, in a voice trembling with passion, said: 

“Mr. Chairman, I wish to give notice to all present that I resign my place as a member of this company.  I don’t choose to serve under such officers as you have chosen to-day.  I don’t think they are fit to have command.”

Here there was a general chorus of hisses, drowning John’s voice completely.  After glancing about him a moment in speechless fury, he seized his hat, and left the room in indignant haste, slamming the door after him.

“He’s a mean fellow!” said Frank Ingalls.  “I suppose he expected to be captain.”