Scott persisted, and Cantwell was nominated; but he positively declined to accept the nomination, though most of the students supposed he was declining for effect, at first. Finally, the principal interposed, for there could be no doubt that the captain was fully in earnest. Cumberland was then nominated for captain, and Cantwell for first lieutenant. Judson, Norwood, and Sheridan were selected for the other three elective places. The balloting was commenced, and all the nominees of the caucus were chosen. The result of the vote for commodore was signalled from each of the consorts, and Lincoln was reëlected. "That's what I call fair play," said Scott. "Yes, it is; but those same fellows will be chosen as long as they remain in the ship," replied Wainwright, who was now the fourth master. "Well, they don't remain much longer," replied Scott. "Nearly all of the fellows in the highest offices will be graduated this summer, and I suppose they will leave. That will open the way for others. I wonder how I shall feel in a frock coat." "Probably you will feel good, as all the others do," answered Wainwright, as he led the way into the cabin, where he was presented by the commodore to Miss Gurney and the Kinnairds. "I am glad to see you here, Scott," said Cantwell, taking him by the hand. "I'm afraid there is some blunder in the reckoning," replied Scott. Lincoln had been most heartily congratulated by the ship's guests on his reëlection, and Miss Gurney could not help expressing to Cantwell her admiration of his unselfish conduct. Everybody seemed to be satisfied with the result of the election, except De Forrest. The new plan, of which he claimed the authorship, worked very well, and the students were obtaining some experience in the machinery of politics. Clyde Blacklock, who, when he found it was useless to attempt to run away, or to resist the authority of the ship, had exerted himself to learn and to do his duty, was particularly pleased with the result of his struggles during the month. He was a young man of good parts, and had the English love of invigorating sports. He had taken kindly to his duty, and had made great proficiency during the two months he had been on board. He was the coxswain of the second cutter, and he was prouder of the position than many who had won places in the cabin. Some of the crew of the boat were inclined to sneer at him, but he took especial pains to conciliate them.