"And knowing that these thoughts are beating in all our hearts," boomed the voice of the Distinguished Personage through eight loud-speakers, "it will always be my proudest memory that I was deemed worthy of the honour of unveiling this eternal testimonial to the man who has devoted his life to the task of making the people of Elmford proud and happy in their great city — the mayor whom you all know and love so well, Sam Purdell!"
The flag which covered the carved inscription on the base of the Purdell memorial fluttered down. A burst of well-organized cheering volleyed from five thousand throats. The cameramen dashed forward with clicking shutters. The bandmaster raised his baton. The brass and wood winds inflated their lungs. A small urchin close to the platform swallowed a piece of chewing gum, choked, and began to cry… „The strains of the "Star Spangled Banner" blasted throbbingly through the afternoon air.
Then, to the accompaniment of a fresh howl of cheering, Sam Purdell stepped to the microphone. He wiped his eyes and swallowed once or twice before he spoke.
"My friends," he said, "this is not a time when I would ask you to listen to a speech. There ain't — isn't anything I can think of worthy of this honour you have done me. I can only repeat the promise which you have all heard me make before — that while I am Mayor of this city there will be only one principle in everything over which I have control: Honesty and a square deal for every man, woman and child in Elmford."
The cheers followed his car as he drove away accompanied by his round perspiring wife and his round perspiring daughters. Mrs Purdell clutched his hand in a warm moist grip.
"That was such a beautiful speech you made, Sam," she said a little tearfully.
Sam Purdell shook his head. He had one secret sorrow.
"I wish Al could have been there," he said.