"De La Lande!"
"Calixte Lefebvre!"
"Le Brun, Le Brun, Le Brun, Le Brun!"
"I nominate our good friend Descarries," smilingly spoke the Chairman.
"Does the meeting agree?"
"Yes!" "Yes!" "Maitre Descarries for Secretary!" "Maitre Descarries!"
"Carried!" were the responses shouted together from all sides.
"We have to consider this evening," continued the Chairman, after the white-wigged official had seated himself in his place as Secretary, "our general organization and appointment of districts. The aim is to work hard for Monsieur during the times coming. The people's meeting to take place to-morrow, is to be addressed for Libergent by Grandmoulin himself, and Picault will be in the county with them till the election. So you see our task is not less than to defeat the whole strength of the Cave. As we fight with men of stature, there is need of valor and address."
"We'll have to pull the devil by the tail!" cried one. The words were those of a common proverb referring to "close shaving."
The Chairman added: "Mr. De La Lande, the floor seems to be already yours."
"I have heard," began De La Lande, "that Grandmoulin has commenced to raise the issue of French patriotism."
"You are right," said Zotique.