The mayor proceeded as if no time had elapsed since his last words.
"You had some words then with this Brainard--I think you called him Brainard--exacted some promise from him ?" "Yes, your Honor," was the only reply.
Did not Mrs.Packard speak, too?
We all seemed to think so, for we turned toward her; but she gave no evidence of having said anything, though an increased nervousness was visible in her fingers as she pushed the matches about.
"I thought I was warranted in doing so much," continued Mr.Steele.

"I could not buy the man with money, so I used threats." "Right! anything to squelch him," exclaimed the mayor, but not with the vigor I expected from him.

Some doubt, some dread--caught perhaps from his wife's attitude or expression--seemed to interpose between his indignation and the object of it.

"You are our good friend, Steele, in spite of the shock you gave us a moment ago." As no answer was made to this beyond a smile too subtle and too fine to be understood by his openhearted chief, the mayor proceeded to declare: "Then that matter is at an end.

I pray that it may have done us no real harm.