Gilet, more and more stately, handed Ballard the Statutes, which he had taken from Des Pères. The others were watching Ballard with gathering sullenness, as they had watched Hewley while he was winning Wingo’s money, only now the sullenness was of a more decided complexion.
Ballard turned the pages. “‘Second July, 1862. Every person elected or appointed to any office of honor or profit, either in the civil, military, or naval service, ... shall before entering upon the duties of such office, and before being entitled to any salary or other emoluments thereof, take and subscribe the following oath: I—’”
“What does this mean, suh?” said Gilet.
“It means there is no difference in our positions as to what preliminaries the law requires of us, no matter how we may vary in convictions. I as Governor have taken the oath of allegiance to the United States, and you as Councillor must do the same before you can get your pay. Look at the book.”
“I decline, suh. I repudiate yoh proposition. There is a wide difference in our positions.”
“What do you understand it to be, Mr. Gilet?” Ballard’s temper was rising.
“If you have chosen to take an oath that did not go against yoh convictions—”
“Oh, Mr. Gilet!” said Ballard, smiling. “Look at the book.” He would not risk losing his temper through further discussion. He would stick to the law as it lay open before them.
But the Northern smile sent Missouri logic to the winds. “In what are you superior to me, suh, that I cannot choose? Who are you that I and these gentlemen must take oaths befo’ you?”
“Not before me. Look at the book.”