Then came ten for Wilbur Summerfield, and Richard Bumstead led off with thirty-four, and was accordingly declared elected.
"Speech! speech!" exclaimed half a dozen, vociferously.
Dick looked a little confused, and tried to escape the call.

But the boys were determined to have him up, and he was finally compelled to rise, looking and feeling rather awkward But his natural good sense and straightforwardness 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.