eir
favorite candidates and the spirit of rivalry ran high. But most of the
candidates were good-natured about it, and especially Dick and Tom
Rover and George Granbury, Fred Garrison, and Larry Colby.

It had been decided that the cadets should first elect the major, then
the three captains, and then the six lieutenants, all to be selected
according to the highest number of votes received.

The voting began on Monday immediately after breakfast. Captain Putnam
had slips passed around and on these each cadet wrote down his choice
for major.

"I will read the result," said the captain, a few minutes after the
poll was declared closed. And he read as follows:

"Whole number of votes cast--96.

"Lawrence Colby has 67.

"The next highest student has 19.

"Lawrence Colby is declared elected major of the battalion for the
present term, including the annual encampment."

"Hurrah for Major Larry Colby!" cried Tom, and a rousing cheer
followed, while Captain Putnam strode over and shook hands with the
newly elected commanding officer.

"I must congratulate you, Major Colby," he said warmly. "I must say I
am well satisfied with the choice of our students."

"Thank you, sir," answered Larry, and blushed in spite of himself.

"We will now proceed to the election of the three captains," went on
Captain Putnam. "Remember, the three standing highest on the list will
be declared elected respectively."

Again slips were passed around and again the students marked down the
names of their favorites, three upon each slip.

Counting up the vote for captains took longer than that for major, but
soon the captain had his statement ready and the cadets listened in
silence as he proceeded to make his announcement:

"Whole number of votes cast, 288.

"Richard Rover has 82.

"Fred Garrison has 67.

"Mark Romer has 59.

"The next highest student has 28.

"Richard Rover is elected captain of Company A, Frederick Garrison
captain of Company B, and Mark Romer captain of Company C, for this
term and during the annual encampment."

"Hurrah for Dick Rover!"

"Hurrah for Fred Garrison and Mark Romer!"

And then the students cheered as wildly as ever, while Captain Putnam
once more offered his congratulations.

"Captain Rover, my hand," said Larry, coming up.

"Thank you, Major Colby," answered Dick, and then both gave a grip that
meant a good deal.

"We seem to be right in it," observed the newly elected major.

"That's