His gavel fell.
As he was descending from the platform, Rankin rushed heavily toward him, and at the same instant, Randolph also started for him. Before Rankin could congratulate him, Randolph was talking.
“Look here, Zeph, and you, too, Jim,” he began in that curious inofficial tone which men use when their relations become personal again, “we demand a vote on this permanent organization business. We ain’t going to be shut out altogether.”
“Don’t like my presiding, eh?” asked Bailey.
“Oh, I’d like it all right if it was on my side,” Randolph laughed, “but we demand a vote.”
“Oh, you’ll get a vote, Hal,” Rankin remarked, “all the vote you want ’fore you’re through—eh, Zeph?”
“I always aim to treat every one fairly,” answered Bailey.
Randolph looked at him, “Aw, come off!” he said, helplessly.