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 ful of nudges and whispers from their companions. Praska's heart leaped. Nine who saw it as he did! He had lost his cause, but he had made converts. He had made progress. Next year, as time for the election drew near, there would be ten instead of one to talk in favor of a formal, regular ballot.

"Mr. King's plan carries," said Mr. Banning, "52 to 10."

There were cheers for the result, and some humorous banter for Praska. He sat unmoved. After that the meeting decided to vote next day during the luncheon hour. A committee of three was named to count the votes. Praska was selected as chairman of this committee and scarcely took note of the honor. He was still thinking of those nine recruits.

Out in the street Perry reproached him openly and bitterly. "Didn't I tell you if you stuck up your head you'd get a good licking? Do you think a defeat like that will help your chances for president?"

"I wasn't thinking of president."

"And then, all this talk of grab bags"

"How many fellows have a chance to-morrow?" Praska interrupted.

"How should I know?"

"Then it will be a grab bag. Nobody knows