Dodge is only a tenth above 'goat' grade in geom., and next week will probably see him there." "And he was considered a good student in Gridley!" quoth Dick sadly.
That Dodge, however, still had hopes of being able to hold on was proved by the fact that he was now conducting a vigorous campaign for election to the class presidency.
"I think I am as good as elected class president," he wrote home to the elder Dodge.

And, the next time Theodore Dodge went over to his bank in Gridley, Theodore Dodge circulated the news among his intimates.

The evening "Mail," in Gridley, came out with the statement that Dodge was sure to become class president.
"And thus Gridley will have cause to feel that it occupies no small place of honor, after all, in national affairs," penned the editor of the "Mail." Dodge had a rather fair following of friends in the class, since he had become modest enough to drop his pretensions to caste and extra social position and they were working hard for him.
That young man came early to Dick and Greg, asking them to work for him.
"I don't quite care to pledge myself," Dick replied kindly.

"When the class meeting is called I'd rather go in with a free mind on the subject.

Then, Dodge, if I consider you the best man put in nomination, I'll vote for you." Though this was not a positive assurance Dodge and his campaign managers made use of it to put Dick's name in the list of supporters.
One evening, at dress parade, when the cadet adjutant read the day's orders, he came to this announcement: "Members of the fourth class are requested to meet, under permission of the Superintendent, at the Y.M.C.A.