orn down in the State of Maine, where the boys and
the trees grow up together. I stand six feet two in my stockings and six
feet three with my boots on, and I haven't looked forward with any
pleasure to being carried to my last resting place in a hearse that was
only six feet long. I second Mr. Butterfield's motion, but move to amend
it by extending the length to seven feet."

The vote was taken, and Mr. Butterfield's motion was carried by a vote
of three hundred and forty to twenty-two. Mr. Butterfield sank back in
his seat with an expression on his face that seemed to say, "I've done
the town some service to-day."

The Moderator then rose and said, "Fellow-citizens, all the business
matters upon the warrant have now been disposed of. We will now proceed
to the election of town officers for the ensuing year."

Mr. Stackpole rose and called out, "Mister Moderator, it is now nearly
twelve o'clock, and some of us had to leave home quite early this
morning in order to be in time at the meeting. I move that we adjourn
till one o'clock, at which time balloting for town officers usually
commences."

Forty voices cried out, "Second the motion," and although Strout,
Stiles, and several others jumped to their feet and endeavored to secure
the Moderator's eye, the motion was adopted by an overwhelming vote, and
the greater portion of the members made their way out of the hall and
directed their steps towards the Eagle Hotel, as if the whole matter had
been prearranged. Here, Mr. Parsons, the proprietor, had set out a most
tempting lunch in the large dining-room, and those who were able to give
the password were admitted to the room, and feasted to their heart's
content.

Abner Stiles, impelled by curiosity, had followed the party, and had
noticed that each one said something to the proprietor before he was
admitted to the dining-room. Going up to Parsons, he said, "What's goin'
on in there?"

"Oh, I guess they're having a caucus," replied Mr. Parsons.

"When thet last feller went in," said Abner, "I saw that the table was
all set, and I kinder 'magined they must be havin' a dinner. I'd kinder
like some myself."

"Well, I'm sorry," said Mr. Parsons, "but I cannot accommodate any more
than have already applied. You can get a lunch over to the railroad
station, you know, if you want one."

"I know," answered Abner, "but I kinder 'magine they're talkin' over
'lection matters in there, and I'd rather like ter know what's go