At Frank's instance he had given up smoking, and this cut off one of the temptations which had assailed him.

Gradually the opinion entertained of Dick in the village as a ne'er-do-well was modified, and he had come to be called as one of the steady and reliable boys--a reputation not to, be lightly regarded.
In the present election Dick did not dream that he could have any interest.

While he had been interested in the lessons, and done his best, he felt that his previous reputation would injure his chance, and he had made up his mind that he should have to serve in the ranks.

This did not trouble him, for Dick, to his credit be it said, was very free from jealousy, and had not a particle of envy in his composition.

He possessed so many good qualities that it would have been a thousand pities if he had kept on in his former course.
"You will bring in your votes for captain," said the chairman.
Tom Wheeler distributed slips of paper among the boys, and there was forthwith a plentiful show of pencils.
"Are the votes all in ?" inquired the chairman, a little later.