of
potatoes. The latter whistled for help, and the enemies of law and
order swarmed out of their haunts. Harry had become an expert ball
pitcher, noted for speed and accuracy. He floored his man and took
possession of the potatoes, with which he proceeded to defend himself.
Only two balls were pitched, but they held the enemy in check until
Harry's deputies had rushed out of the club-house. A flying wedge
scattered the crowd. No further violence was needed. The ruffians saw
that he meant business and had the nerve and muscle to carry it
through, and nothing more was necessary--just then.

"They took the drunken man to the lock-up, and came back and got a
bartender, and led him in the same path. Harry has the situation well
in hand, and is the most popular man in our community. Every day we
have items to put to his credit, and nothing to charge against his
reputation. There's something going on at the club every evening, and
the rooms are crowded. Those men who had sat day by day brawling under
the lindens now spend most of their leisure in the reading and card
rooms. Peace reigns in Trent. Such is the power of united benevolence
working with the strong hand and the courageous spirit."

XVII

WHICH PRESENTS A DECISIVE INCIDENT IN OUR CAMPAIGN AGAINST OLD NEW
ENGLAND

"Harry was pretty well disabled with affection for a time. He was like
a Yankee with the 'rheumatiz,' and you know when a Yankee gets hold of
the 'rheumatiz' he hangs on. It don't often get away from him. It
becomes an asset--a conservational asset--an ever-present help in time
of haying.

"Since Harry's return the tactics of Marie had been faultless. Her
eyes had said, 'Come on,' while her words had firmly held him off. He
shook the tree every time they met, but the squirrel wouldn't come
down.

"It was a hard part for Marie to play, between the pressure of two
handsome boys and her duty to grandpapa. The Reverend Robert had won
the favor of the old gentleman by turning from tennis to agriculture
for exercise. He had gone over to the Benson farm and helped with the
spring's work; he had supper there every Sunday evening, after which
he conducted a little service for the Deacon's benefit. He was
pressing, as they say in golf, and it didn't improve his game. I saw
that Marie was not quite so fond of him. I had maintained an attitude
of strict neutrality, but could not fail to observe that Marie had
begun to lean.

"'You have captured the re