"What have they done?" asked Holden, laying down his pen, and settling back in his chair comfortably.
His simple question and keen glance disconcerted Miss Haskell for a moment. Then she felt the fighting spirit rise within her.
"What haven't they done. Mayor Holden? They've gained such an influence over the young girls, I believe they'd all leave for Utah tomorrow, if asked, and they're spreading around town that they saved baby Anna from certain death. If they did, it was, because Satan helped them to it. Are all our labors in the churches to come to naught, while you sit calmly by and say nothing, 'till it's too late?"
Boss Holden smiled unpleasantly.
"To put the complaint in a nutshell. Miss Harriet, they've really done nothing yet, except get themselves liked and saved a baby! Can't oust them on that!"
"You refuse, then, to put them out?" asked Miss Harriet, stiffening with righteous scorn. "I can plainly see, Mayor Holden, how you never could enter a church! If you encourage evil influence here, you have no right to be Mayor of Ashfield!"
"Perhaps you'd like the job?" asked Mayor Holden, with rising anger.
"When women get the vote, they may have such opportunity," returned Miss Harriet, sharply. "I ask you again, do you refuse?"
"Damm't, I do! And I hope those decent fellows will stay here long enough to hand out their influence. To hell with all this gossip!"
Miss Haskell shuddered.