"You don't? Then what sort of a man are you?"
"You boys quit your mowling over there," the county clerk commanded.
"Major," said the Judge, "the troops will doubtless come by boat and land near your place. Don't you think it would be a good idea for you to come over with them? The truth is you know our people are always more or less prejudiced against militia, and it is therefore best to have a well-known citizen come along with them."
"I don't know but that you are right," said the Major. "Yes, I will come with them."
He bade the men good day and turned to go, and out into the hall the Judge came following him. "By the way, Major," said he, "you are of course willing to take all responsibility; and I'd a little rather you wouldn't mention my name in connection with the militia's coming down here, for the ordering out of troops is always looked upon as a sort of snap judgment."
"I thought you said that you were not going to run for office again," the Major bluntly replied.
The Judge stammered and though the hall was but dimly lighted, the Major saw that his face was growing red.
"I have reconsidered that," confessed the politician, "and next season I shall be a candidate for re-election."
"And I will oppose you, sir."
"Oppose me? And why so?"