Now, Savage was known to be friendly in his talk toward Dick Merriwell, and many of Dick’s friends regretted that he had not decided sooner to take a hand in the struggle. As it was, the most of them had been pledged to Hardy by the energetic and wily Buckhart. Brad had grown confident as the time for the meeting drew near. “If all the fellows who have talked favorable stand by Hardy, we’ve got that Arlington crowd buried,” he said. But Buckhart had to learn that pledges and fair talk may not always be relied on, a fact that many a defeated politician has discovered to his sorrow. The Arlington workers continued their efforts right up to the time the meeting was called to order. Elmer Dow, who had managed the basket-ball team once, was chosen chairman and mounted the platform. Having called the meeting to order, he suggested that a committee of three be chosen to count the votes, for it was already settled that the candidate should be elected by written ballot. Instantly Buckhart was on his feet, proposing the name of Dick Merriwell. Somebody hissed. That hiss was enough to start an uproar. In a twinkling it was demonstrated that Dick had plenty of friends—in fact, that the great majority of those present were his friends. When silence was restored, Dick rose and was recognized by the chairman. “Gentlemen,” he said quietly, “I think it will be far better to select on that committee those who are not too closely connected with the eleven. For that reason I must beg you to excuse me from serving.” “No, no, no!” roared the cadets. “Merriwell! Merriwell!” they stormed. The Arlington crowd seemed silent. Chester had not failed to note that Dick had not openly entered into the contest against him, although he had expected something of the sort. However, he did not wish to see Dick on that platform. The outcries showed that the meeting insisted on having Dick serve as chairman of the committee to count the votes. “Mr. Merriwell,” said Dow, “I think you had better reconsider. You can plainly see that you are wanted on this committee, and you will do a favor to the meeting by serving.” “Merriwell, Merriwell!” came from every side of the room. “All right,” smiled Dick. “If I am chosen, I will serve, Mr. Chairman.” Dow put the vote at once. “All those in favor of Mr. Merriwell manifest it by a show of hands.” “Up, up!” was the cry. “Up hands!” “It is a vote,” said Dow, looking over the demonstration of uplifted hands. No one doubted it, and Dick was called to the platform. Ned Stanton’s name was next proposed, and there was no opposition. Then Brad Buckhart was nominated. This raised another uproar, for Brad had plenty of enemies. A strong opposition was shown at once. Brad said not a word, but mentally he observed: “Well, if I’m elected you bet your boots I’m going to serve! I am, I know!”