"I don't think there is. The result is not much different from what I expected," replied the principal, with a pleasant smile on his face. "When I learned that the officers had held a caucus for the nomination of candidates in the after cabin, and refused to consult the seamen on the subject, it seemed quite probable that the regular ticket would be defeated. I heard that Captain Lincoln attempted to have a meeting of all hands to consider the subject, but was overruled. I am not astonished that he is elected commodore. Young gentlemen, you wished to vote, and you have voted." The opposition cheered and applauded furiously. They cheered Lincoln and the principal, and had begun to give three groans for De Forrest, when they were checked by Mr. Lowington. "It is weak and foolish now to say there has been cheating, when the result does not please you," continued the principal. "It appears now that Cantwell, who is No. 6 on the merit-roll, has been elected captain by a majority of the votes. Captain Cantwell, I congratulate you on your election, and you shall have every facility for discharging your duty." "Thank you, sir. I am very much obliged to those who voted for me; and I will endeavor to do my duty faithfully, courteously, and kindly," replied the new captain. There were two or three attempts to hiss but the demonstration was promptly checked, even before it was drowned out by the vociferous applause of the opposition. Commodores Lincoln and Cumberland manfully congratulated Cantwell, and promised to support him fairly and honorably in the discharge of his duty. "Young gentlemen, the fog is lifting, and we must proceed with the elections," resumed the principal, "You will now bring in your ballots for first lieutenant." Cumberland was the nominee of the opposition for this office, and as the regulars voted for him also, he was elected over the independent ticket of De Forrest, who had put himself in nomination, and who obtained but thirteen votes. Of course he was more disgusted than before. He declared that his friends had deserted him, and served him a mean trick. Judson was chosen second lieutenant, and Norwood third, by about the same vote. Sheridan, who was the candidate of the opposition, received just the number necessary for a choice, which seemed to be the exact strength of the Bangwhangers in the ship, the rest of them being in the consorts. The elective offices being filled, it was necessary to fix the rank of the remaining officers by the merit-roll. Murray was the new first master; Beckwith's rank was the same as before; and De Forrest was first purser--an office of trust, but generally disliked by the students, who did not wish to be mere clerks. By the changes of the month, three of the Bangwhangers became officers.