To proceed: "'Daniel Bassett has 9.' "The Conservatives and their women folks fairly groaned out loud.
Tompkins jumped to his feet, but Jotham held up a hand.
"'Just a moment, D'rius,' he says.

'I ain't through yet.' "'Gaius Ellis has 9.' "Then 'twas the Progressives' turn to groan.

The racket and hubbub was gettin' louder all the time.
"'There's ten votes left,' goes on Jotham, 'and they bear the name of Jotham W.Gale.I can't understand it, but it does appear that I'm elected president of this 'ere club.

Gentlemen, I thank you for the honor, which is as great as 'tis unexpected.' "Gabe and the Progressives and the Conservatives set and looked at each other.

And up jumps 'Bije Simmons, and calls for three cheers for the new president.
"Nobody jined in them cheers but the old billiard room gang; they did, though, every one of 'em, and Jotham smiled fatherly down on his flock.
"I s'pose there ain't no need of explainin'.