The boats from the Josephine and the Tritonia returned with the result of the vote for commodore, and the balloting proceeded as before. This was really the exciting contest of the day, and the De Forresters were somewhat demoralized by the result of the ballot for commodore. Under the arrangement made by the principal, the most perfect order prevailed. Every student on board had been provided with all the ballots in circulation, and the time for electioneering had gone by. But the unexpected election of Lincoln as commodore had deranged the plans of all but the opposition. All others, however, voted for Cumberland for captain, for the ballots had nothing upon them but the name of the candidate, and "Regular," "Independent," or "Equal Rights" ticket, the last being the rallying cry of the opposition. The votes were deposited in silence, and it was a very anxious period for the cabin officers, for the present ballot would effectually prove where the strength lay. The committee retired, and all hands nervously awaited the result. In ten minutes Murray appeared with the paper on which the state of the vote was written. As this ballot decided the great question of all the elective offices, the hearts of the officers were in their mouths, and the agitation of some of them was even ludicrous.
"Give your attention to the report of the committee," said the principal; but this was an unnecessary request, for every student was all attention the moment Murray showed his head above the companionway.
"Whole number of votes, 88," said the chairman "Necessary for a choice, 45; Lieutenant Judson has 1; Commodore Cumberland has 39; Fourth Master Cantwell has 48, and is elected."
The opposition cheered lustily, and laughed their satisfaction, as they beheld the blank dismay of the agitators.
"I'll quit the ship!" cried De Forrest, his face red from the violence of his wrath. "I'll run away the first chance I get."
"So will I," replied Beckwith. "We are sold out."
"Mr. De Forrest," said the principal, in a loud tone, which immediately produced the silence of curiosity.
"Did I understand you to say you would leave the ship?"
"I did say so, sir," replied the third lieutenant, who, however, did not intend to be over-heard by the principal. "I didn't mean anything by it."