of course, that no one but himself would be thought of as leader.

Slips of paper were passed around, and the boys began to prepare their
ballots. They were brought to the chairman in a hat, and he forthwith
took them out and began to count them.

"Boys," he announced, amid a universal stillness, "there is one vote for
Sam Pomeroy, one for Eugene Morton, and the rest are for Frank Fowler,
who is elected."

There was a clapping of hands, in which Tom Pinkerton did not join.

Frank Fowler, who is to be our hero, came forward a little, and spoke
modestly as follows:

"Boys, I thank you for electing me captain of the club. I am afraid I am
not very well qualified for the place, but I will do as well as I can."

The speaker was a boy of fourteen. He was of medium height for his age,
strong and sturdy in build, and with a frank prepossessing countenance,
and an open, cordial manner, which made him a general favorite. It was
not, however, to his popularity that he owed his election, but to the
fact that both at bat and in the field he excelled all the boys, and
therefore was the best suited to take the lead.

The boys now proceeded to make choice of a treasurer and secretary.
For the first position Tom Pinkerton received a majority of the votes.
Though not popular, it was felt that some office was due him.

For secretary, Ike Stanton, who excelled in penmanship, was elected, and