reputation of being well fixed as regards this world's goods. "Perhaps
I'm doin' wrong, but I would like my darter to know as much as those
that's likely to come arter. But if the world keeps on its progress so
bewild'rin' and they put some more 'ologies into the schools together
with cabinet organs and fife and drum, I'm afraid it will cost my darter
more than it did me to eddikate her childrin."

A storm of applause filled the hall when the Deacon concluded his
remarks. As he resumed his chair, Quincy handed him a tumbler of water
that he had poured from a pitcher that stood upon a table near the
piano. This act of courtesy was seen and appreciated by the audience and
a loud clapping of hands followed. At the commencement of the Deacon's
speech, the Professor had left the platform, for it gave him an
opportunity for an intended change of costume, for which time could be
found at no other place on the programme. It was a marvellous rig that
he wore when he reappeared. A pair of white duck pantaloons, stiffly
starched, were strapped under a pair of substantial, well-greased,
cowhide boots. The waistcoat was of bright-red cloth with brass buttons.
The long-tailed blue broad-cloth coat was also supplied with big brass
buttons. He wore a high linen dickey and a necktie made of a small silk
American flag. On his head he had a cream-colored, woolly plug hat and
carried in his hand a baton resembling a small barber's pole, having
alternate stripes of red, white, and blue with gilded ends.

[Illustration: IT WAS A MARVELLOUS RIG THAT HE WORE WHEN HE REAPPEARED.]

The appearance of this apparition of Uncle Sam was received with cries,
cheers, and loud clapping of hands. The Professor bowed repeatedly in
response to this ovation, and it was a long time before he could make
himself heard by the audience. At last he said in a loud voice: