ss 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 ro