Uncle Bedny's speech had proceeded no further than "Feller citizens, in the name of an outrageous--I should say outraged portion of our community I--" when he was choked off by a self-appointed committee who knew Mr.Small of old and had seated themselves near him to be ready for just such emergencies.

The next step, judged by meetings of other years, should have been to unanimously elect Eben Salters moderator; but as Captain Eben refused to serve, owing to his interest in the Whittaker campaign, Alvin Knowles was, by a small majority, chosen for that office.

Mr.Knowles was a devout admirer of the great Atkins, and his election would have been considered a preliminary victory for the opposition had it not been that many of Captain Cy's adherents voted for Alvin from a love of mischief, knowing from experience his ignorance of parliamentary law and his easy-going rule.

"Now there'll be fun!" declared one delighted individual.
"Anything's in order when Alvin's chairman." The proceedings of the first half hour were disappointingly tame.

Most of us had come there to witness a political wrestling match between Tad Simpson and Cyrus Whittaker.