"
Don's throat was dry. When he received his paper and pencil his hand
shook. He wrote "Andy Ford" quickly, and folded the paper. He caught a
glimpse of Tim sending sharp glances from face to face.
"Assistant Patrol Leader Ford," Mr. Wall called.
Andy went up and dropped his ballot.
"Scout Lally."
Tim voted, came back to his stool and sat biting his lips.
Finally all the votes were in. The patrol leaders carried the hat aside,
counted the votes, and came back to Mr. Wall.
"The result is--" The Scoutmaster paused. "Scout Lally, three votes;
Scout Strong, three votes; Assistant Patrol Leader Ford, one vote. As no
candidate has received a majority, another ballot is necessary."
Don wondered if he had heard the Scoutmaster correctly. Three votes for
him? He saw Tim eye him with dark suspicion. Andy's voice sounded in his
ear:
"Did you vote for me?"
He nodded.
"Well, cut it out. Next time vote for yourself."
Don shook his head slowly. This thing of voting for himself did not
appeal.
"If you vote for me," Andy said sharply, "this will be a tie until the
cows come home. Don't be a chump. Tim is voting for himself."
Still Don was undecided. Besides, he could not get over the wonder of
finding himself with three votes.
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