seen, listening from outside. GRAN is standing in front of the
platform, speaking to the meeting.)

Gran. And, as it was found impossible for the main line of the railway
to touch our town, we determined, rather than allow all our exertions
to be wasted, to construct a branch line on our own account. I had
the honour to be elected chairman of the board of directors of this
undertaking. No directors ever had more unrestricted powers than were
given to us--possibly because there were no two opinions as to the route
the line should take the natural formation of the ground indicated
it unmistakably. It was only when we approached the question of the
purchase of our rolling-stock that any dissension arose--not among the
directors, but among the shareholders. As the majority of the latter
are farmers and work-people, we had decided on buying only one class of
railway carriage of a type slightly more comfortable than the ordinary
third-class carriage. That is the extent of our misdeeds! To-day's
meeting will probably show what the general sense on the matter is. Our
powers being unlimited, we were under no obligation to consult any one
in the matter; but, notwithstanding that, we decided to call a meeting
of the shareholders and submit the question to them. And, on the
directors' behalf, I must thank the shareholders for having attended in
such numbers; young and old, men and women, I dare say quite a third
of the total number of shareholders are present. The meeting will now
proceed to elect a chairman. (Sits down.)

The Mayor (after a pause). I beg to move that Mr. Koll, our chief
magistrate, whom it is a great pleasure to see honouring this meeting
with his presence, have the further kindness to take the chair.

Gran. The motion before the meeting is that the Chief Magistrate shall
take the chair. Shall I assume it to be carried? (Silence follows.)

The Mayor. Yes. (Laughter.)

Gran. The meeting should preferably elect some one who may be considered
to be unaffected by considerations of party.

Alstad (half rising, with his glasses in his hand). Then we shall have
to send for some one that does not live in these parts! There is no one
of that sort left here! (Sits down, amidst laughter.)

The Priest. All authority springs from on high. Obedience to those set
in authority over us is obedience to the Almighty. But it is against
this very obedience that people are rebelling nowadays.

Gran. It is precisely some one to