Port Argent's school system was thought too military by the teachers who suffered under it. The Major stood high among Masons and G. A. R.'s. Endless gossip and detail might be given of all these men. Hen-nion knew them well, some of them as far back as he could remember. Each of them held the corner threads of a spreading network of influences and personal interests. In Hennion's office they smoked and discussed. They varied discussion with anecdotes of Wood.
Major Tuttle wanted two of the ward schools enlarged, and offered plans and estimates of competing architects.
“Any preference, Major?” asked Hennion.
“I have given it some consideration,” said the Major puffily, and stated considerations.
“Well,” Hennion suggested, “why not give one to Smith and one to Hermon, and tell them to compete for glory. It might stir them up.”
The circle laughed and nodded.
The North Shore R. R. had put in a large proposition involving a new bridge and station, street crossings, and various rights of way. Tait read a document signed “Wm. R. Macclesfield, President.” Hennion suggested that they offer a counter-proposition.
“We don't want any more grade crossings down there. What makes him expect his right of way for a gift?”
“You know what they chipped in this spring?” said Tait, looking up.
“Pretty much. But Wood never sold out that way, did he?” He turned to Ranald Cam.