indifferent to what was going on ; and Briant, being of French descent, considered that his own chance was hopeless in a colony where English were in a majority. But Donagan was very anxious about the election, and with his more than ordinary cleverness, and his courage that nobody doubted, he would have had an excellent chance of election had he not been so haughty, domineering and envious. He had made up his mind to be Gordon's successor, although his vanity prevented him from canvassing for votes, and he pretended to be quite unconcerned in the matter. But what he did not do openly, his friends did for him in secret, and Wilcox, Webb, and Cross were untiring in their efforts at persuading the little ones.
The 10th of June arrived.
In the afternoon the election took place. Each boy had to write on a slip of paper the name of the candidate for whom he intended to vote. The majority of votes would decide the election. As the colony had only fourteen members — for Moko as a negro did not vote — eight votes would carry the election.
At two o'clock Gordon opened the poll, and the voting was conducted with great gravity as beseemed such a serious ceremony. When the votes were counted, the following was the result : —
Briant ... 8
Donagan ... 3
Gordon ... 1
Neither Gordon nor Donagan had voted, and Briant had voted for Gordon.
When the poll was declared, Donagan could not restrain his deep irritation and disgust.
Briant was surprised at receiving the majority of votes, and was on the point of declining to serve, but his eyes happened to rest on Jack, and an idea occurred to him, so that he said,—
"I thank you, my friends, and I accept the position you have offered me."
And at sunset Briant began his year of office as Chief of Charman Island.
