“Mr. Moriarty,” said the officer.
“Misther Chairman, Oi have the honor to nominate for chairman av this meetin’ the people’s an’ the children’s friend, Misther Peter Stirling, an’ Oi don’t have to move to make it unanimous, for such is the intelligince an’ manhood av this meetin’ that it will be that way for shure.”
Peter saw a hurried consultation going on between Gallagher, Muldoon, and two others, during the latter part of this speech, and barely had Dennis finished his remarks, when Justice Gallagher spoke up.
“Mr. Chairman.”
“The Honorable Justice Gallagher,” said that gentleman.
“I take pride in withdrawing in favor of Mr. Stirling, who so justly merits the honor of presiding on this important occasion. From recent events too well known to need mention, I am sure we can all look to him for justice and fairness.”
“Bad cess to him!” groaned Dennis. “Oi hoped they’d be just fools enough to oppose yez, an’ then we’d have won the first blood.”
Peter was chosen without dissent, and was escorted to the seat behind the desk.
“What is the first business before the meeting?” he asked of Gallagher, aside, as he was taking his seat.
“Election of delegates to the State convention. That’s all to-night,” he was told.