Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1911-04-20


so long as I've a dollar to fight him
with! I say that to you. Tad Simpson
and to the man-to whoever put you
up to this. There! I've said my say.
Now, gentlemen, you can choose your
side"
He strobe book to his seat. There
was silence for moment. Then Jo-
sifn Dlmick sprnng up ard waved his
hat.
"Thats the way to talk" he shouted
That's a man. Three cheers for Cap'n
Whitaker! Come on. every bodyw
But everybody did not come on"
The cheers were feeble. 1t was evi.
dent that the majority Of those present
did not know how to meet this unex-
pected contingency. 1t had taken them
by surprise. and they were undecided.
The uproar Of argument and question
began again, louder than ever The
bewildered moderator thumped his
desk and shouted feebly for order.
Tad Simpson took the floor and in a
few words and at the top Of his lungs
nominated Alonzo Snow. Abel Leon
ard seconded the nomination. There
were yells Of "Question! Question:
and "Vote! Voter
Eben Salters was recognized by the
chair. Captain Salters made few
speeches, and when he did make one
it was because he had something to
say.
"Mr. Moderator" he said, IT, for
one. hate to vote just now. 1t isn't
that the school committee Is so i'm
portant of itself. But do think that
the rights Of father with his child is
pretty important. and our vote for
Cap'n whittaker-and most Of you
know ] intended votin' for him and
have been workin' for him-might
seem like an Endorsement of his posi-
ton. This whole thing Is a big sur.
prise to me. | don't feel yet that we
know enough of the inside facts to
give such an Endorsement I'd like to
see this Thomas man before | decide
to give tor not to give 1t. either.
It's a queer thing to come up at town
meetln'. but it's up. Hadn't we better
adjourn until next week.
He sat down. The meeting was
dcnoralized. Some were shouting for
adjournment, others to vote 1t out.
A straw would turn the scale. and the
straw was forthcoming. While Cap
tain Cy was speaking the door had ST.
lently opened and two men entered the
hall and sought secluson in n corner
Now one of these men came forward
the Hon. Heman Atkins.
Mr. Atkins walked solemny to the
front.
The modsrator's gavel descended.
| "Order'' he roared. Order, | say!
Congressman Atkins Is goin' to talk
to u.s."
The Honorable Heman faced the ex-
cited crowd One hand was in the
breast Of his frock coat; the other was
clinched upon his hip.
Fellow townsmen." he began. "far
be 1t from me to influence your choice
in the matter Of the school commit.
tee. Still farther he t from me to in
huence you against an old boyhoOd
friend. a neighbor. one whom l be-
lieve-er-had believed to be all that
was sincere and true. But, fellow
townsmen. my esteemed friend Cap
tain Salters has expressed wish to
see Mr. Thomas. the father whose
story you have heard today. I happen
to be in position to crafty that wish.
Mr.. Thomas. will you kindly come for
ward?"
/ Then from the rear of the hall Mr..
Thomas came. But the drunken
rowdy OF the night before had been
! transformed Gone were the scrubby
beard and the shabby suit. Shorn was
the unkempt mop of hair and vanished
! the impudent swa2ger. He was dress
ed in clean linen and respectable black,
and his manner was modest and sub
dued Only a discoloration of one eye
showed where Captain Cy's blow had
| left its mark.
He stepped upon the platform beside
the congressman.