At last came the time to vote, and the ballot-box was placed on a table in charge of two cadets and George Strong, who had consented to act as judge of the election.

“This is for a new major only,” announced George Strong.  “You will step up and vote as your names are called.”

It took but a few minutes to cast the eighty-three ballots.  Then the vote was tabulated, while the boys stood around on the tiptoe of expectation.

“I will read the result,” announced Captain Putnam, after receiving a paper from Mr. Strong, and he read as follows: 

“Whole number of votes cast, 83. 
Necessary to a choice, 42. 
Paul Singleton has 4. 
Henry Lee has 5. 
Harry Blossom has 7. 
David Kearney has 9. 
Reffton Ritter has 12. 
Daniel Baxter has 18. 
Bart Conners has 28.”

“Nobody is elected,” said Pepper, in a disappointed voice.

“Boys, you will have to try it again,” said Captain Putnam.

“I beg to withdraw my name from the list of candidates,” cried Paul Singleton.  “All who voted for me will kindly vote for Bart Conners, who is my choice.”

“We must beat Ritter and Baxter!” said Andy, in a low voice.

“That’s right!” cried another of the cadets.  “But how?”

“Let us try to make up a slate,” proposed Jack, who was something of a politician.  “Harry Blossom and Dave Kearney might withdraw in favor of Bart Conners if the fellows promised to support them for the two captaincies.”

“Let us see if it can be done,” returned Pepper, quickly.  “Hustle now, for we’ve got to vote again in fifteen minutes.”

They hurried around and interviewed Blossom and Kearney, and about twenty other cadets.  As a consequence, the pair named said they would withdraw in favor of Bart Conners if supported for the captaincies later.  In the meantime Henry Lee said he would drop out also, since he expected to leave school in June.

Once again the ballots were cast, and now it was easy to see that Bart, Ritter and Baxter were exceedingly anxious.  Both Ritter and Baxter did their best to gain the votes dropped by Henry Lee and Paul Singleton.

“I will read the result,” said Captain Putnam, a few minutes later.  And amid a breathless silence, he read the following: 

“Whole number of votes cast, 83. 
Necessary to a choice, 42. 
Robert Grenwood has 5. 
Reffton Ritter has 10. 
Daniel Baxter has 12. 
Bart Conners has 56.”

“Hurrah for Bart Conners!” shouted half a dozen cadets in chorus.

“Bart Conners is declared elected major for the ensuing term,” went on Captain Putnam.  “Major Conners, allow me to congratulate you,” and he came forward and held out his hand.

“And let me congratulate you, too,” added Major Jack, and he shook hands also.

A great number of cadets, and some teachers, come up to shake Bart by the hand.  Ritter and Baxter were conspicuous by their absence.  Each of the bullies was chagrined at the poor showing he had made.  Instead of gaining on the second ballot they had lost.