“'Never mind, Mr. Gale,' says he. 'A unanimous vote was perhaps too much to expect. Go on.'
“'Yes,' says Jotham. 'Well, here's the way it stands. I'll read it to you.'
“He fixes his specs and reads like this:
“'Number of votes cast, 32.'
“'Honorable Atkinson Holway has 4.'
“'WHAT?' gasps Stingy Gabe, fallin' into his chair.
“'Yes, sir,' says Jotham. 'It's a shame, I know, but it looks as nobody voted for you, Mr. Holway, but yourself and me and Dan and Gaius. To proceed:
“'Daniel Bassett has 9.'
“The Conservatives and their women folks fairly groaned out loud. Tompkins jumped to his feet, but Jotham held up a hand.
“'Just a moment, D'rius,' he says. 'I ain't through yet.'