the gazing, smiling crowd. Behind were her five boys and four girls,
and behind them Mr. McDougal, but in the shelter of Mr. Blick's broad
back Mr. McDougal stopped and was seen no more.

But Mrs. McDougal was seen. Ushering the children ahead, she placed
them one by one on the edge of the platform, at the feet of Mr. Chinn,
all but Susie, who with flaming face had sought refuge on half of Mary
Cary's chair, then she waved to Mr. Simson, the clerk.

"Please hold on a minute, Mr. Simson," she called. "I'm awful sorry
we're late, but them five voters to be was hard to get fixed in time.
They know what they're here for and I don't want 'em to miss a word. Sit
still there, Jeff!" She jabbed the latter, who was wriggling, back in
his place and took from Billy the cap he was nervously chewing, then
seating herself between the younger set of twins she again waved her
hand.

"Now you can go on."

Thus permitted, Mr. Simson began the reading of the minutes of the last
meeting in quick staccato sentences, and as he took his seat Mr. Chinn
again sounded the gavel and in an attitude of resignation asked of there
were corrections.

None being suggested, the minutes were approved. The regular business
of the meeting forthwith began, and the atmosphere, which had been a
little tense, relaxed. As if to show his ease and familiarity with an
unusual situation, Mr. Mowry cut off a large piece of tobacco, crossed
his hands behind his head, and lifted his right leg on the top of the
small oak desk which was supposed to contain pen and paper for personal