in the class, since he
had become modest enough to drop his pretensions to caste and
extra social position and they were working hard for him.

That young man came early to Dick and Greg, asking them to
work for him.

"I don't quite care to pledge myself," Dick replied kindly. "When
the class meeting is called I'd rather go in with a free mind on the
subject. Then, Dodge, if I consider you the best man put in
nomination, I'll vote for you."

Though this was not a positive assurance Dodge and his campaign
managers made use of it to put Dick's name in the list of
supporters.

One evening, at dress parade, when the cadet adjutant read the
day's orders, he came to this announcement:

"Members of the fourth class are requested to meet, under
permission of the Superintendent, at the Y.M.C.A. at eight
o'clock to-night, for the election of a class president, and for
transaction of such other business as may properly come before the
meeting. Members of the upper classes will accordingly remain
away from the Y.M.C.A. to-night."

"Remember, you fellows," called Bert Dodge, thrusting his head
into Dick and Greg's room after return to barracks, "I count upon
your strong support to-night."

CHAPTER XVIII

THE PLEBE CLASS CHOOSES ITS PRESIDENT

Not a man save two on sick report at cadet hospital was absent
when Cadet Hopper, acting as temporary chairman, the plebe class
called to order.

"Gentlemen," he announced, "you all know the principal reason for
our being here. We are, in especial, to elect a class president.
Therefore I will take time only to urge upon you the great
importance of to-night's planned action.

"The class president is to be, in a word, the class leader. The
president of this class is to stand before the entire cadet body, and
before the authorities of the United States Military Academy, as
the representative of this class.

"It goes without saying, I think, that our president should be, in
every respect, the best possible representative of the class as a
whole. He should be as nearly as possible the ideal man of the
class--the man who stands for the best, the manliest and the most
loyal thoughts and aspirations of this class.

"As brevity is always highly to be prized, I will say no more at this
moment. If any gentleman present desires to address the class, I
will recognize him for that purpose. If, after a pause, we ascertain
that no member desires to make a general address, I will th