“Gentlemen, the question is called for, and will be put. All in favor of Mr. Pratt’s motion that will approve and ratify these elections say aye.” There was a loud roar of assent. “All opposed, by the contrary sign.” There was no sound. Howard sat sullen and silent, gazing at the floor. “The motion is carried, and Mr. Wendell is therefore elected president of the Association.” Edwards laid down the ruler, and surrendering the chair, descended from the platform. CHAPTER III THE NEW PRESIDENT Ray Wendell received an ovation as he took the chair. Prolonged cheering greeted him, accompanied by cries of “Speech! Speech!” When the noise had subsided, Ray began: “Gentlemen, I have no speech, nor, unless I am much mistaken, do you want one. I thank you most sincerely for your kindness, and promise you in behalf of the nine that we will strive very hard to deserve your interest. This is speech enough, I am sure. “Of course you want to know what I think of our prospects in baseball this year, and accordingly I say here to-night what I have said to many of you personally――that I consider our chances very good. It is true that we have only three of our old nine left, but the material which we have to choose from in the class nines is good this year, and we ought to have a fine team. “Now as to the condition of the treasury――I have been informed by the secretary that the funds of the Association are almost exhausted. Will Mr. Larcom report on this? What is the exact balance in the treasury?” Tony turned over the pages of his note book and figured busily for several seconds. “There is a cash balance of $39.50,” he finally called out. “You can see from this,” continued Ray, “that the usual contribution list will have to be started. You will all hear later from Mr. Larcom concerning this, and I hope we can look for as generous support as in previous years, for the nine needs an almost complete new outfit, and a number of repairs will have to be made at the ball grounds, to say nothing of the pay of the janitor and assistants at the club house, and the expenses of our baseball tour.” At this moment Alfred Carter, the leader of the College Glee Club, took the floor and said: “Mr. President, I want to offer the services of the Glee Club for the benefit of the team. I have made arrangements to give a concert just before the Easter vacation――that is, in about ten days, the proceeds of which are to go to the baseball association. The concert will be given in the large examination hall up stairs, and,” he added, with a smile, “all members of the college are cordially invited to attend――price 50 cents per head.” Carter sat down amidst a great stamping and clapping of hands. Ray answered immediately: