Stick in!" "Of course he will," shouted others.
So Calverly announced he would stick in, and Coote had better retire, a suggestion Coote did not even condescend to notice.

He was in his "Firm's" hands, and the "Firm" were determined to fight the thing out till they had not a toe to stand on.
"The simplest way," said Freckleton, "is to vote again for the two.
What do you say, gentlemen of the Den ?" "All right," roared the Den.
"What's it to be: ballot or show of hands ?" "Show of hands," shouted most of them.
"Do you agree to show of hands, you two," said Freckleton, "or would you sooner have ballot ?" "I'd rather have show of hands," said Calverly.
"So would Coote," shouted Dick and Georgie.
"Then those who vote for Calverly hold up one hand," said Freckleton.
It was a big show, and the scrutineers, as they went from bench to bench, counted 141.
"Now for Coote." Every one could see it was a terribly close affair.

As Dick and Georgie scanned the benches, their hearts sank at the sight of so many not voting.
"Another dead-heat, I expect," said Pauncefote.
The suggestion drove Dick almost frantic.

Coote _must_ come in, or the consequences would be awful.
"Now, you fellows," he cried, starting up and addressing Templeton generally, as the scrutineers started on their rounds, "all together for old Coote! Don't forget his trot with the Harriers!" This simple election speech called forth a cheer, and, better still, sent up two or three more hands.
Loud cries of "Order" from the top end of the room prevented any further appeal, and amid dead silence the scrutineers finished their work.
"For Coote," announced the spokesman, "there are 146." Then did the "Firm" go mad, and lose their heads.

Then did they yell till their throats were hoarse, and wave their hands till their arms ached.
Then did they link arms, as they sat victorious, and forget the sorrows of a term in that one paean of victory.
"Very close," they heard Freckleton say, as soon as order was restored.
"Are you satisfied, Calverly ?" Woe betide Calverly had he ventured to be otherwise! "All right," he said, meekly, cowed by the mighty triumph of the "Firm." "Then Coote is in," announced the scrutineers.
The election was over, and Freckleton was about to disperse the meeting, when it was noticed Pledge was on his legs, trying to speak.
A low hiss and groan went round the Hall, but curiosity to hear what the deposed monitor had to say at such a time restored order.
Three boys alone knew what it all meant, and their faces blanched, and their limbs shook, as they looked out from their retreat and awaited their fate.
"Perhaps," said Pledge, "as this is a public meeting, you will allow me, though I have not the proud honour of being a 'Sociable,' and although I believe I am not a monitor either, to ask a question.