The supporters of Kelly leaped to their feet with shrieking acclaim; it was some moments before Larry could be heard.
“I second the nomination of Mr. Haley,” said he, “and move that his ’lection to the chair be made unanimous!”
Dead silence followed. McQuirk looked dumbfounded; Larry smiled sweetly at him over the heads of the intervening delegates. The vote was a rising one, and the temporary chairman surrendered the gavel to Haley.
McQuirk was dazed, but respectful; old Kelly smiled broadly and rubbed his hands gleefully; young Murphy moved among the opposition like a spirit of wisdom.
McQuirk once more arose. “Let’s keep things moving,” said he. “There has been no protest against anyone sitting in the convention, with the exception of Mr. Daily and Mr. Levitsky. We will now look into their cases.”
“I wouldn’t,” sneered McGonagle, “take too much work on me shoulders, if I was youse. I’d let the chairman do a little.”
“Shut up.”
“Fire him out!”
“I’d like,” growled Goose, “to see any of youse try to fire me out.”
“Cheese it; sit down, and keep yer shirt on!” warned Larry, leaning forward, “if youse make trouble now, I’ll put a muzzle on ye.”