He felt that it would be something to gain this office.

But when the result of the balloting was announced it proved that he had but a single vote.
There were several scattering votes.

The two prominent candidates were Dick Bumstead, who received eight votes, and Charles Reynolds, who received thirty-two, and was accordingly declared elected.
No one was more surprised by this announcement than Dick.

He felt quite bewildered, not having the slightest expectation of being a candidate.
He was almost tempted to believe that the votes had only been cast in jest.
But Dick was destined to a still greater surprise.

At the next vote, for second lieutenant, there were five scattering votes.