All hands were called, and the merit-roll for the preceding month was read by the principal, so that the students might know who were eligible to the elective offices. There was hardly a change in the relative rank, for very little had been done upon the lessons during the month. The most remarkable event was, that Scott came out No. 16, which gave him the rank of fourth midshipman. The joker was a first-class seaman, and probably he owed his good fortune largely to the several examinations in nautical matters, though he had exerted himself more than ever before in the scholastic department. The reading of his name in this connection called forth a shout of applause. As usual, Lincoln and Cumberland had the highest number of marks, and Cantwell was the third. De Forrest and Beckwith stood at the foot of the list, for they had been absent from most of the recitations during the month. Cumberland was not eligible to the office of commodore. Lincoln, Cantwell, and the two captains of the consorts were the only candidates for this position. "Of course Cantwell will be chosen," sneered De Forrest. "This thing is played out, and all I want is a chance to get off." "I don't believe you will find any such chance," replied Beckwith. "I don't think we have made anything by running away." "We had a good time while we were away." "I didn't. You tagged after that girl, and made me follow you. Now she has cut you." "I'll get even with Lincoln on that yet." "I don't believe you will. It isn't his fault. When the girl found out that you had run away from the ship, she wouldn't look at you again. That's the whole of it," replied Beckwith. While they were talking, the word was passed for all hands to assemble in the waist to hold a caucus for the nomination of officers. "Scott has got into the cabin, and I don't believe he will lead all the fellows in the steerage by the nose now," said De Forrest. "I suppose he will try to make Cantwell commodore." The meeting was organized by the choice of Ryder, the second master, as chairman, and Vroome as secretary. "The meeting is ready for business," said the chairman. "I move that Captain Langdon, of the Josephine, be nominated for commodore," shouted De Forrest. "Second the motion," added Lincoln, promptly. "Question," called several. The motion was put, and voted down without a count. De Forrest tried again with the name of Captain Wolff, of the Tritonia, in order to throw out Lincoln and Cantwell, and Beckwith seconded his motion. "I don't think this is a fair thing, Mr. Chairman," said De Forrest. "A great deal has been said about fair play; but now the ship's company of the Young America want to nominate for commodore, without giving the students in the consorts any voice in the matter."