One hand was in the breast of his frock coat; the other was clenched upon his hip.

He stood calm, benignant, dignified--the incarnation of wisdom and righteous worth.

The attitude had its effect; the applause began and grew to an ovation.
Men who had intended voting against his favored candidate forgot their intention, in the magnetism of his presence, and cheered.

He bowed and bowed again.
"Fellow townsmen," he began, "far be it from me to influence your choice in the matter of the school committee.

Still further be it from me to influence you against an old boyhood friend, a neighbor, one whom I believe--er--had believed to be all that was sincere and true.