So much was this the case that the chairman, Williams, seemed quite justified in saying: "It is quite evident that the opinion of the meeting is adverse to any attempt to load the community with a debt of one thousand dollars," and he proceeded with a very complete statement of the many and various objections to any attempt at building a church this year.

The people were very few, they were dispersed over a large area, they were not interested sufficiently, they were all spending money and making little in return; he supposed, therefore, that the meeting might adjourn.
Robbie sat silent and expressionless in spite of his little wife's anxious whispers and nudges.

The Pilot looked the picture of woe, and was on the point of bursting forth, when the meeting was startled by Bill.
"Say, boys! they hain't much stuck on their shop, heh ?" The low, drawling voice was perfectly distinct and arresting.
"Hain't got no use for it, seemingly," was the answer from the dark corner.
"Old Scotchie takes his religion out in prayin', I guess," drawled in Bill, "but wants to sponge for his plant." This reference to Robbie's proposal to use the school moved the youngsters to tittering and made the little Scotchman squirm, for he prided himself upon his independence.
"There ain't $700 in the hull blanked outfit." This was a stranger's voice, and again Robbie squirmed, for he rather prided himself also on his ability to pay his way.
"No good!" said another emphatic voice.

"A blanked lot o' psalm-singing snipes." "Order, order!" cried the chairman.
"Old Windbag there don't see any show for swipin' the collection, with Scotchie round," said Hi, with a following ripple of quiet laughter, for Williams' reputation was none too secure.
Robbie was in a most uncomfortable state of mind.

So unusually stirred was he that for the first time in his history he made a motion.
"I move we adjourn, Mr.Chairman," he said, in a voice which actually vibrated with emotion.
"Different here! eh, boys ?" drawled Bill.
"You bet," said Hi, in huge delight.