ion was so hard to get.
I say it again. Other appropriations are got, and why not ours? I DID
say if I was a congressman I'd get it. Yes, and I'll say more," he
added, raising his voice, "I'll say that if I was sent to Washin'ton
by this town, congressman or not, I'd move heaven and earth, and all
creation from the President down till I did get it. That's all. So would
any live man, I should think."

He sat down. There was some applause. Before it had subsided Abel
Leonard, one of the quickest-witted of Mr. Simpson's workers, was on his
feet, gesticulating for attention.

"Mr. Moderator," he shouted, "I want to make a motion. We've all heard
the big talk that's been made. All right, then! I move you, sir,
that Captain Cyrus Whittaker be appointed a committee of one to GO to
Washin'ton, if he wants to, or anywheres else, and see that we get the
appropriation. And if we don't get it the blame's his! There, now!"

There was a roar of laughter. This was exactly the sort of "tit-for-tat"
humor that appeals to a Yankee crowd. The motion was seconded half a
dozen times. Moderator Knowles grinned and shook his head.

"A joke's a joke," he said, "and we all like a good one. However, this
meetin' is supposed to be for business, not fun, so--"

"Question! Question! It's been seconded! We've got to vote on it!"
shouted a chorus.

"Don't you think--seems to me that ain't in order," began the moderator,
but Captain Cy rose to his feet. The grim smile had returned to his face
and he looked at the joyous assemblage with almost his old expression of
appreciative alertness.

"Never mind the vote," he said. "I realize that Brother Leonard has
rather got one on me, so to speak. All right, I won't dodge. I'll BE
a committee of one on the harbor grab, and if nothin' comes of it I'll
take my share of kicks. Gentlemen, I appreciate your trustfulness in my
ability."

This brief speech was a huge success. If, for a moment, the pendulum
of public favor had swung toward Simpson, this trumping of the latter's
leading card pushed it back again. The moderator had some difficulty in
restoring order to the hilarious meeting.

Then Mr. Myrick was accorded the privilege of the floor, in spite of
Tad's protests, and proceeded to nominate Cyrus Whittaker for the school
committee. Lem had devoted hours of toil and wearisome mental struggle
to the preparation of his address, and it was lengthy and florid.
Captain Cy was described as possessing all