The boss laughed: “The old man’ll show ’em a few tricks,” said he complacently. “I think they expected me to lay down, eh?”
After a time everything was in readiness; the temporary chairman mounted the platform; the scribes of the gathering took their seats and the convention came to order.
“Gentlemen,” said the temporary chairman, advancing to the edge of the platform, “we are called together this morning to name a man for the important office of selectman. I feel that—”
“Chop it off,” advised McGonagle.
“Order! Order!” came from different parts of the house.
The temporary chairman was an elderly man, little known and with a colourless manner. He endeavoured to go on with his remarks but the volume of interruption steadily increased.
“We will proceed with the business of electing a chairman,” said he at length.
McQuirk was on his feet in an instant; Larry followed, also demanding recognition.
“McQuirk,” said the chairman.
“I give you,” said the boss, “the name of Gratten Haley, of the nineteenth division, for chairman.”