communicate it to the proper authorities, that they might take it
into consideration."

"It wouldn't do any good," returned Holman, still a little
suspicious that he was quietly laughed at. "They're too set in
their own ways to be changed."

At this moment there was a sharp rap on the table, and a voice
was heard, saying, "The meeting will please come to order."

The buzz of voices died away; and all eyes were turned toward the
speaker's stand.

"It will be necessary to select a chairman to preside over your
deliberations," was next heard. "Will any one nominate?"

"I nominate Doctor Plunkett," came from a man in the corner.

The motion was seconded, and a show of hands resulted in favor of
the nominee.

A gentlemanly-looking man with a pleasant face advanced to the
speaker's stand, and with a bow made a few remarks to this
effect:

"Fellow citizens: This is new business to me, as you are
doubtless aware. My professional engagements have not often
allowed me to take part in the meetings which from time to time
you have held in this hall. On the present occasion, however, I
felt it to be my duty, and the duty of every loyal citizen, to