Without a moment's delay, Dr. Barton mounted up.
“Fellow citizens,” he called in a clear, ringing voice; and instantly a hush fell upon the crowd, and a thousand faces were turned toward him.
“We are here,” he began, “for a very important purpose—”
Instantly a policeman pushed his way toward him.
“Have you a permit for this meeting?” he demanded.
“We have been refused a permit!” proclaimed Dr. Barton to the crowd. “We are here as law-abiding citizens, demanding our right to free speech!”
“You cannot speak,” declared the policeman.
“There has been bribery of the city council of Lockmanville,” shouted the doctor.
“You cannot speak!” cried the policeman sharply.
“Henry Hickman paid twenty thousand dollars to the city council to prevent the passage of the water bill!” cried the speaker.