Part 10 (2/2)
”I move that Lem Gordon be made captain,” called Fred Jenkins, evidently in furtherance of the plot Sandy had laid to oust Bart.
”Second it,” came from Peter Rand.
”Look here!” exclaimed Bart, and his friends noticed he was pale. ”Why didn't you come to me like a man, Sandy Merton, and tell me there was opposition? I'd have resigned in a minute. But this is a sneaky way of doing things and I'll fight it, do you understand? I'll resign if the majority says I ought to but not before. Now go ahead and hold your election!”
”Hurrah for Bart!” called some one and there was a loud shout.
”Order!” vainly called Sandy.
”We don't want an election!” sang out another boy. ”Bart is the best captain we ever had! Didn't we lick the Preps?”
”That's right!” yelled a number. ”Bart for captain!”
”Let them have the election!” cried Bart. ”I'm not afraid. I know what it's all about. It's because I didn't let Sandy pitch that game. And what's more,” he added, ”I believe he deliberately put Lem out of business so he might have a chance!”
”That's a falsehood!” cried Sandy, making a spring toward Bart.
”Ask Lem,” was Bart's reply. ”If you want to fight, Sandy Merton, come on!”
”Don't talk that way,” counseled Ned. ”Let's see if we can't settle this thing peaceably.”
”Go on with the election!” called Bart, who was getting excited. ”I'm not afraid! I'll resign if you want me to!”
”We don't want you to!” cried a score of voices.
”All those in favor of Lem Gordon for captain say 'aye,'” called Sandy.
”I won't take it!” shouted Lem. ”Bart's the captain for me.”
”That's right!” yelled a dozen voices.
”All those who want Bart to continue captain say so!” cried Ned.
”Yes!” and the shout made the windows rattle.
”That settles it. Election's over,” declared Ned.
”I say it isn't!” yelled Sandy. ”The rules provide for ballots.”
”This is good enough for us,” came from a number of boys, as they crowded around Bart to shake hands. ”Bart's the captain!”
”That was a mean, sneaking plot!” declared Ned. ”Sandy thought he could work up enough sentiment against Bart to get a candidate of his own in and get back on the team. But he failed.”
”You bet he did!” exclaimed Fenn. ”Come on, fellows. It's all over.”
Most of the boys began leaving the court. Sandy, the picture of disappointed rage, stood in a group of his friends.
<script>