Peter had presided at college in debates, and was not flurried. “Will you stay here so as to give me the names of those I don’t know?” he said to the enrolling officer. “The meeting will please come to order,” he continued aloud. “The nomination of delegates to the State convention is the business to be acted upon.”
“Misther Chairman,” yelled Dennis, evidently expecting to find another rival as before. But no one spoke.
“Mr. Moriarty,” said Peter.
“Misther Chairman. It’s my delight to nominate as delegates to the State convention, the Honorable Misther Schlurger, our distinguished representative in the Assembly, the Honorable Misther Kennedy, our noble Police-commissioner, an’ Misther Caggs, whom it would be insult for me to praise in this company.”
“Second the motion,” said some one.
“Mr. Chairman,” shouted a man.
“That’s Caggs,” said the enrolling officer.
“Mr. Caggs,” said Peter.
“Mr. Chairman,” said Caggs. “I must decline the honor offered me from such a source.”
“What?” shrieked Dennis, amazement and rage contesting for first place in voice and expression.