Also there was the ever-present hope of the government appropriation for harbor improvement.
Mr.Tidditt was one of the selectmen whose terms expired.

In his dual capacity as selectman and town clerk Asaph felt himself to be a very important personage.

To elect some one else in his place would be, he was certain, a calamity which would stagger the township.

Therefore he was a busy man and made many calls upon his fellow citizens, not to influence their votes--he was careful to explain that--but just, as he said, "to see how they was gettin' along," and because he "thought consider'ble of 'em" and "took a real personal interest, you understand," in their affairs.
To Captain Cy he came, naturally, for encouragement and help, being--as was his habit at such times--in a state of gloom and hopeless despair.
"No use, Whit," he groaned.

"'Tain't no use at all.