any s-s-sp-spunk!" retorted Katharine,
heartlessly. "Folks have to be little politicians before they are big
ones, I suppose, just like children before they are grown-ups. Well,
you're a little politician now, a teeny tiny one, and it will be just
splendid practice for you to get a village constable elected. I believe
that although Uncle Moses and even Aunt Eunice speak so proudly of that
office, that it isn't as great as some others. I don't know, and I
wouldn't care at all except for him. But we must do it. I've heard him
talking with Widow Sprigg how that now the 'law was changed,' 'town
meeting' was no 'great shakes' any more, for the Presidents and
constables all got mixed in together till a 'body couldn't tell t'other
from which.' For his part he'd 'ruther be 'lected in the spring when
crops was growin' an' tramps a-trampin', though if he was forced into
it, better one time than never,' and a lot more funny grumble. She told
him not to worry, that he'd never be 'forced,' much as he'd like it.
I've decided that he must be elected, and without any 'forcing,' and
I've the splendidest plan you ever heard. First, I'll give you a lesson.
Then I'll tell you, else you'll believe I'm forgetting my promise. I'm
not. I'm only considering the best way to begin. Well, Montgomery
Sturtevant, that bad habit of yours comes from laziness and nervousness.
Pure laziness, pure nervousness," she added, with emphasis.

"D-d-don't neither!" denied the stammerer, indignantly. "Ain't got no
nerves. G-gr-gramma says so, and she knows. She's older 'n you, an'
she's got 'em worst kind. Always gets 'em when I play the f-f-fiddle."

"Maybe there are two kinds of nerves. She doesn't stammer. Besides
the Cyclopedia said so, and it tells the truth. Here. Put this
pebble in your mouth. It's a nice smooth round one. I picked it
up in the garden and washed it clean. You put it in and then say
just--as--slow--as--slow: 'Betsy Bobbins baked a batch of biscuit.'
After you learn to say it slow, without once stammering, then you begin
to say it faster. Either that or any other jingle that's difficult
without tripping. 'She sells sea-shells,' or, 'Peter Piper.' Why don't
you put the pebble in?"

"I don't want t-to. You're mocking me!"

"There! I knew you needn't if you really wouldn't. When you are a little
angry or in real earnest you can talk well. Listen to me and think if
I'm not in earnest myself, since I took the trouble to copy all this for
you