've known women to hit a nail on the head when
twenty men had either missed it or bent it double and spoiled the
woodwork. What is it, sister? Shoot it out! Saint Paul was against women
talking in public, but I like to listen to 'em--I do."

"I was just thinking of one thing, Mr. Chairman and gentlemen"--Mrs.
Suggs bowed her frowsy head formally. She had presided at a church
meeting of her sex once or twice, and there was something more than
imitation of her husband's manner in her tone and bearing--"I was
thinking of one particular thing that men are apt to overlook in a
scramble like this seems to be, and that is this. I may as well tell you
that I've had talks with the wife of the man under investigation, and,
as I know how to handle a woman as well as the next one, I dropped on to
a few things that I'll bet you all will overlook."

There was a sudden commotion in the yard, and, springing up, Suggs went
to a window, parted the curtains, and looked out. Turning, he rapped on
the back of his chair with his big pocket-knife and stared at his wife.

"That cow has pushed the rails down and got to the calf again," he said.
"Either you or me will have to go out and part 'em. Of course I'm
willing to do it, but if I am to conduct this meeting properly, why--"

"I move we take a recess," spoke up the wizen-faced man, "just long
enough to dispose of the cow-and-calf matter, and then come back and
finish up in here."

"No, I'll go attend to it," Mrs. Suggs sighed. "I know how to handle
her, but you fellows have got to hold my place open. I'll be right back.
It is just a baby calf, and I can tote it about in my arms. I'll drop
it over in the old hog-pen till later."

She had scarcely left the room when a lank man past middle age, with
long beard that was quite gray in spots and black as to the remainder,
stood up. "Would it be in order, Mr. Chairman," he began, "while the
lady whom you have recognized as having the floor is absent, for me to
say a word or two, being as this matter is _pro bono publico_ and vital
to us all--in fact, is the _primum mobile_ of our faith in the Almighty
and His plans?"

"You have the floor, Professor Cardell. Hold on to it," Suggs said,
formally. "If you don't get through before my wife parts the cow and
calf she will just have to wait, that's all. That's one reason I never
thought women had a right to dabble in matters like this. They would get
interested in it and burn a pan of bread to cin