But of course, as the election was to take place, he hoped Brinkman would win by a majority which would show the School what Fellsgarth thought about the foul play which had been tried on at the last election.
Clapperton seconded the nomination, and assured his friends that, now the offence had been acknowledged and atoned for by the castigation of the offenders, they would try to forget it and feel to the other side as if it had not occurred.
Clapperton, of course, was cheered by his side; and yet his chief admirers did not feel as proud of him as they would have liked.

His tone was patronising, and Fellsgarth could not stand being patronised, even by its captain.
Just as the meeting was settling down for the important business of the vote, a sensational incident took place.
The door swung open, and in strode Rollitt, with Fisher minor, panting and pale, at his heels.
The new-comer, heedless of the astonishment caused by his appearance, strode negligently up to the front where the other prefects were, while his escort modestly slipped into the arms of his admiring friends.
For a moment the meeting looked on with amused bewilderment.

Then it suddenly dawned on everybody that this meant a new voter; and terrific shouts of jubilation went up from the Classics; during which Fisher minor had his back thumped almost in two.
For once in his life he was a hero! How he wished his young sisters could have seen him then! "Never mind," shouted Percy across the room, "he's bound to vote the wrong side, or forget to vote at all." "Order! Those who vote for Brinkman, hold up your hands." It was far too serious to humbug now.

Even D'Arcy was grave as he surveyed the force of the enemy.
Two tellers had been appointed from either side, so that the votes were counted four times, and the total was not allowed till all were agreed on the result.
"Brinkman has one hundred and twenty-eight votes." Loud and long were the cheers which greeted this announcement.

The knowing ones felt that it practically meant victory for the Moderns, for it was one more vote than Fisher major had won with last time.
"Now, hands up for Fisher major." Amid dead silence the Classic hands went up.