nd if I were a conceited man or one
inclined to praise my own actions, I should say that the good fortune of
many of our distinguished guests this evening, and the handsome
financial backin' that this town has received, are due principally to my
personal exertions."

Here the speaker paused again and wiped his forehead, which was bedewed
with perspiration.

"Good Lord!" said Mrs. Hawkins to Olive Green, who sat next to her, "to
hear that man talk anybuddy would think that nobuddy else in the town
ever did anything."

"To conclude," said the speaker, "I don't wish, feller citizens, to have
you understand that I am defendin' my actions. They were mean in spirit
and mean in the way in which they were done, but the one against whom
they were directed returned good for evil, and heaped coals of fire on
my head. At a time when events made me think he was my greatest enemy,
he became my greatest friend. It is to his assistance, advice, and
influence that I owe the present honorable position that I hold in this
town, and here to-night, in his presence, and in the presence of you
all, I have made this confession to show that I am truly repentant for
the past. At the same time, I cannot help rejoicing in the good fortune
that those misdeeds were the means of securin' for us all."

As the speaker sat down, overcome with emotion, he was greeted with
applause, which was redoubled when Mr. Sawyer arose in his seat. But
when Quincy leaned forward and extended his hand to Strout, which the
latter took, the excitement rose to fever heat, and cheers for Quincy
Adams Sawyer and Obadiah Strout resounded throughout the hall and fell
upon the evening air. This time the band played "The Star Spangled
Banner."

Again the toastmaster arose and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, the first
toast that I am going to propose to-night is a double one, because, for
obvious reasons, it must include not only the State, but its chief
representative, who is with us here to-night. Ladies and gentlemen, let
us drink to the Old Bay State, and may each loyal heart say within
itself, 'God save the Commonwealth of Massachusetts!'" The guests
touched their lips to their glasses. "And now," continued the
toastmaster, "to his Excellency QUINCY ADAMS SAWYER, Governor
of the Commonwealth, whom I have the honor of introducing to you."

The Governor arose amid wild applause and loud acclamations, while the
band played "Hail to the Chief!"

THE END.

$Hope H