ings of the first half hour were disappointingly tame. Most
of us had come there to witness a political wrestling match between
Tad Simpson and Cyrus Whittaker. Some even dared hope that Congressman
Atkins might direct his fight in person. But neither the Honorable
nor Captain Cy was in the hall as yet. Solon Eldridge was re-elected
selectman and so also was Asaph Tidditt. Nobody but Asaph seemed
surprised at this result. His speech of acceptance would undoubtedly
have been a triumph of oratory had it not been interrupted by Uncle
Bedny, who rose to emphatically protest against "settin' round and
wastin' time" when the Bassett's Hollow road "had ruts deep enough to
drown a cat in whenever there was a more'n average heavy dew."

The Bassett's Hollow delegate being again temporarily squelched,
Moderator Knowles announced that nominations for the vacant place on
the school committee were in order. There was a perceptible stir on the
settees. This was what the meeting had been waiting for.

"No sign of Cy or Heman yet," observed Mr. Cahoon, craning his neck in
the direction of the door. "It's the queerest thing ever I see."

"Queer enough about Cy, that's a fact," concurred Captain Dimick. "I
ain't so surprised about Heman's not comin'. Looks as if Whit was right;
he always said Atkins dodged a row where folks could watch it. Does most
of his fightin' from round the corner. Hello! there's Tad. Now you'll
see the crown of glory set on 'Lonzo Snow's head. Hope the crown's
padded nice and soft. Anything with sharp edges would sink in."

But Mr. Simpson, it seemed, was not yet ready to proceed with the
coronation. He had risen to ask permission of the meeting to defer the
school committee matter for a short time. Persons, important persons,
who should be present while the nominating was going on, had not yet
arrived. He was sure that the gathering would wish to hear from these
persons. He asked for only a slight delay. Matters such as this,
affecting the welfare of our posterity, ought not to be hurried, etc.,
etc.

Mr. Simpson's request was unexpected. The meeting, apparently, didn't
know how to take it. Uncle Bedny was firmly held in his seat by those
about him. Lemuel Myrick took the floor to protest.

"I must say," he declared, "that I don't see any reason for waitin'. If
folks ain't here, that's their own fault. Mr. Moderator, I demand that
the nominatin' go ahead."

Tad was on his feet instantly.

"I'm goin' to a