The words drew the eyes of the boys to the speaker, and under cover of their distraction, Fred made his way to Bronson, to whom he spoke vehemently, with the result that just as the leader of the Firsts started to hand out the ballots, a voice cried: "I second the motion!" Instantly the boys turned to see who had spoken, but they were too late. "The motion is made and seconded that Bart Montgomery be elected captain of the Second Baxter football team by acclamation," announced Sandow. "All in favor say 'Aye.' Contrary, 'No.' The 'Ayes' have it." "Snap judgment! Move a roll call!" protested Shorty Simms. The leader of the Firsts, however, ignored the comment. "In consequence of this vote," he continued, "I declare Bart Montgomery elected to the captaincy. All members and candidates for the Second be on the campus at three, this afternoon, for practice. Meeting's adjourned." Their favorite elected, Bart's followers crowded about Fred, slapping him on the back, and telling him he was a good fellow, their anger at his decision not to play forgotten in their triumph. On the other hand, Fred's chums held aloof from him. "I'd like to know who seconded that motion," snarled Buttons. "And I," chorused Shorty. "We'd make him go some, eh?" Fortunately for Bronson's piece of mind, he was out of earshot of these threatening words, or he might have betrayed himself. By this time, all the boys had gone upstairs, leaving Sandow, Hal Church and Fred alone. Going to the boy, the leader of the Firsts put his arm around Fred's shoulder. "Won't you really try for the team?" he asked. "The Second will never have a good show against Landon." "You know I'd like to, Sandow, but I can't," replied Fred, a catch in his voice. "You know the game, so you won't need much practice," urged Hal. "More than I can give, though. I'll need every spare minute for science." "But what's the honor--" began Hal, when Fred interrupted him. "It isn't the _honor_--it's the money," he said. "I want you fellows to understand, so I'll tell you: father wrote me to try for the two hundred because mother needs it. I'm not any too good at science, so you see I've got to study like the old Harry. I don't want her or father to think I am letting fun interfere with helping them." As the two older boys listened to this manly statement, they understood as never before the strength of Fred's character. A moment or two they stood in silence, then each seized a hand impulsively. "I hope you'll win," said Sandow, and Hal echoed the sentiment. CHAPTER XIV LIGHT OUT OF DARKNESS