human
Hurrah, Jack, I've got news! To-morrow we are going to ballot for officers!
gpt
I'm glad to hear that, answered Jack Ruddy, as he threw down the algebra he had been studying.
human
I was almost afraid we weren't going to have officers this term.
gpt
I suppose Captain Putnam wanted to find out if there was any military material here before he let us fellows take charge, went on Pepper Ditmore, as he swung himself up on a corner of the dormitory table.
human
Tell you what, Jack, it's a great thing to organize a school like this, and get everything in working order, all in six weeks.
gpt
Do you think you are organized, Pep?
human
I'm organized about as much as I'll ever be, returned Pepper Ditmore.
gpt
You can't expect a fellow like me to settle down and be as quiet as a lamb, can you?
human
No, you're more like a jumping-jack. The fellows don't call you the Imp for nothing.
gpt
It's a base slander, returned Pepper Ditmore, with an injured air.
human
I'm as meek, sometimes----
gpt
When you are asleep.
human
As a--a----
gpt
Circus clown. By the way, have they found out yet who mixed the salt and sugar last Saturday?
human
Can't say as they have.
gpt
And who put that little bulldog in Josiah Crabtree's bedroom in the dark?
human
They haven't asked me about it,
gpt
Then let me congratulate you on your escape,
human
Let's change the subject, Jack. Don't you want to be an officer of the Putnam Hall Cadet Corps? I should think that would just suit you. Your father was an army officer.
gpt
It would suit me first-rate. But the fellows don't know much about me. Most of them are strangers to me.
human
Well, they are mostly strangers to each other. If you want to become an officer, say the word and I'll do the electioneering for you.
gpt
Don't you want to be an officer yourself?
human
I'd make a fine-looking officer, wouldn't I? he returned.
gpt
No, I'll remain a high private in the rear rank--and take my sport in some other way.
human
And you expect me to be an officer over you, Pep? How in the world will I manage you?
gpt
By not trying, Jack. But come, are you going to be an officer or not? As a battalion, we are to have a major, two captains, two first lieutenants, two second lieutenants, and a lot of sergeants and corporals. I want to see you a captain at least.
human
That's kind.
gpt
I'd rather see you an officer than that Dan Baxter. Do you know, Jack, I don't like that chap at all.
human
No more do I. He is very overbearing. I heard him bossing some of the little fellows around in regular slave-driver style.
gpt
Well, he shan't boss me around.
human
Oh, it's not likely he'll bother the big boys, came from Jack Ruddy, as he arose from his chair and stretched himself.
gpt
Those chaps usually make the little fellows toady to them. What time is it?
human
Just five o'clock.
gpt
Then come on down to the lake and have a row before supper.