Part 2 (2/2)
”The result is--” The Scoutmaster paused. ”Scout Lally, three votes; Scout Strong, three votes; a.s.sistant Patrol Leader Ford, one vote. As no candidate has received a majority, another ballot is necessary.”
Don wondered if he had heard the Scoutmaster correctly. Three votes for him? He saw Tim eye him with dark suspicion. Andy's voice sounded in his ear:
”Did you vote for me?”
He nodded.
”Well, cut it out. Next time vote for yourself.”
Don shook his head slowly. This thing of voting for himself did not appeal.
”If you vote for me,” Andy said sharply, ”this will be a tie until the cows come home. Don't be a chump. Tim is voting for himself.”
Still Don was undecided. Besides, he could not get over the wonder of finding himself with three votes.
”How about a man who runs for president of the United States?” Andy insisted. ”Do you think he votes for his opponent?”
”We are ready to ballot again,” said Mr. Wall.
”Wake up,” said Andy.
Don did not know what to do. There was no use in voting for Andy. Alex would not take the place and Bobbie Brown was altogether too young a scout. What should he do?
”a.s.sistant Patrol Leader Ford,” called the Scoutmaster.
Don, in desperation, wrote his own name.
This time, when the patrol leaders brought Mr. Wall the result, they put the hat out of the way, and the troop knew that it would not be needed again.
”Scout Lally,” Mr. Wall read, ”three votes; Scout Strong, four votes, Scout Strong is elected patrol leader of the Wolves.”
Five minutes later the meeting was over. Don had been formally saluted by the Foxes and the Bears, and a patrol leader's stripes had been pinned, temporarily, to his sleeve. Flushed and excited, and still amazed at the turn fortune had taken, he faced about to where his own patrol was gathered. All at once the flush died out of his cheeks.
”When I asked Bobbie for his vote,” said Tim, ”it wasn't fair. But you could ask the fellows, couldn't you?”
”I didn't ask anybody,” said Don.
Tim laughed. ”When do you think I was born--yesterday? How did you get the votes if you didn't ask for them? We'll see about this.”
He walked out of headquarters. Ritter and Wally Woods whispered together, looked at Don, and seemed unable to make up their minds. Finally they edged their way toward the door.
There was work for Don to do--checking up what property the Wolf patrol owned and signing that he received it in good condition. But all joy was gone from the honor that had come to him. The Wolves were divided among themselves! What chance would they have for the Scoutmaster's Cup?
CHAPTER II
THE FIRST CLASH
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