The committee of three returned in a few minutes, and reported the
names of four boys to be voted for as the leaders. They were Henry
Vernon, Charley Green, David White, and Tommy Woggs.
The important little gentleman who had been to New York, was
delighted with the action of the committee. He thought all the
children could see what a very fine leader he would make, and that
all of them would vote for him.
"What shall we do for votes, father?" asked Frank.
"We can easily manage that, Frank," replied Mr. Lee.
"We have no paper here."
"Listen to me a moment, children," continued Mr. Lee. "There are
four boys to be voted for; and we will choose one leader first,
and then the other.
"Those who want Henry Vernon for a leader will put a blade of grass
in the hat which will be the ballot box; those who want Charley
Green will put in a clover blossom; those who want David White will
put in a maple leaf; and those who want to vote for Tommy Woggs
will put in a--let me see--put in a dandelion flower."
The children laughed, for they thought the dandelion was just the
thing for Master Woggs, who had been to New York.
One of the boys carried round Mr. Lee's hat, and it was found that
Henry Vernon had the most votes; so he was declared to be the first
leader.
"Humph!" said Tommy Woggs. "What does Henry Vernon know? He has
never been to New York."
"But he lives in Boston," added Charley Green.
"Boston is nothing side of New York."
"I think Boston is a great place," replied Charley.
"That's because you have never been to New York," said Master
Woggs. "They will, of course, all vote for me next time. If they
do, I will show them how things are done in New York."
"Pooh!" exclaimed Charley, as he left the vain little man.
While all the children were wondering who would be the other
leader, Flora was electioneering among them for her favorite
candidate; that is, she was asking her friends to vote for the one
she wanted. Who do you suppose it was? Master Woggs? No. It was
David White.
The hat was passed round again, and when the votes were counted,
there was only one single dandelion blossom found in the hat.
Tommy Woggs was mad, for he felt that his companions had slighted
him; but it was only because he was so vain and silly. People do
not often think much of those who think a great deal of themselves.
There was a great demand for maple leaves, and David White was
chosen the second leader, and
|