sition to shut me off. I demand to be
heard!"

"Mister Moderator," screamed Abner Stiles, "I move that Mr. Strout be
allowed to continue without further interruption."

The Moderator brought his gavel down on the table and called out,
"Order, order." Then turning to Tobias, he said, "Mr. Smith, state your
question of privilege."

Strout sank into his seat, his face livid with passion; turning to
Stiles, he said, "This is all cooked up between 'em. You know you told
me you saw Smith and Stackpole and that city chap drivin' away from the
Deacon's house last Saturday mornin'."

Stiles nodded his head and said, "I guess you're right."

Mr. Smith continued, "My question of privilege, Mister Moderator, is
this: I desire to present it now, because when I've stated it, my fellow
citizen," turning to Strout, "will find that it's unnecessary to make
any motion in relation to the matter to which he has referred. I hold in
my hand a letter from Mr. Quincy Adams Sawyer, whose father is the Hon.
Nathaniel Sawyer of Boston, and whose uncle was Mr. James Sawyer, who
died in the Eastborough Poorhouse several weeks ago. By conference with
Mr. Waters, who is in charge of the Poorhouse, and with the Town
Treasurer, he ascertained that the total expense to which the town of
Eastborough has been put for the care of his uncle was four hundred and
sixty-eight dollars and seventy-two cents. I hold his check for that
sum, drawn to the order of the Town Treasurer, and certified to be good
by the cashier of the Eastborough National Bank. He has requested me to
offer this check to the town, and that a receipt for the same be given
by the Town Treasurer."

Strout jumped to his feet.

"Mister Moderator, I am glad to learn," cried he, "that this son of a
millionaire has had his heart touched and his conscience pricked by the
kindness shown by the town of Eastborough to his uncle, and I move the
check be accepted and a receipt given by the Town Treasurer, as
requested."

"Second the motion!" called out Abner Stiles.

"Before puttin' the question," said the Moderator slowly, "I want to say
a few words on this matter, and as it may be thought not just proper for
me to speak from the chair, I will call upon the Rev. Caleb Howe to take
the same durin' my remarks."

The well-known clergyman at Mason's Corner came forward, ascended the
platform, took the chair, and recognized Deacon Mason's claim to be
heard.

"I have heerd the motion to accep