"The priests take good care of their wives, I suppose, since their office depends upon them."
"Yes, such is the fact," added the doctor, as they went on board of the steamer.
The students were on the quay promptly at the hour appointed, and the steamer departed for Cronstadt. Although the sights in St. Petersburg had been unusually interesting, the boys could not entirely forget the subject of the delegates who were to go down the Volga, and some electioneering was done. De Forrest had been at work upon what he called the compromise ticket. He had even made some advances to Scott, but had not found a favorable opportunity to discuss the subject with him. On board of the steamer he made the occasion.
"I want to talk with you, Scott," said he.
"I suppose you feel some interest in the question of going that journey."
"No one; I suppose every fellow wants to go. I do, for one."
"And I, for another; and there will be a great many fellows disappointed."
"The ship's company are to vote for two, you know," added the first purser, feeling his way to the question.
"That's so; if you want to say anything about it, speak right out; you needn't beat about the bush any more."
"I think the other one ought to have been elected, instead of being appointed by the captain."
"Perhaps Captain Cantwell will select you," suggested Scott.
"Of course he will not; and if he did, I could not accept the privilege from him," said De Forrest, stiffly.
"I was opposed to him in the election, and I have no doubt he dislikes me as much as I do him. I neither ask nor will take any favors from him. But there is a chance for me to go by the election."
"It has been suggested that you and I may be voted for on the same ticket. What do you say to that?"
"If any of the fellows want to vote for me, tell them to fire away; I can stand it as long as they can. If they want to vote for you, I have no doubt they will do it."
"But won't you do something to help the ticket along?"
"No, sir!" replied Scott, decidedly. "I won't nominate myself or any other fellow. Let the crowd do that."
"They will do it, of course; but every fellow has some influence, you know. It will be a fair thing to take one from the cabin, and one from the steerage."