“Yes,” said Earth, “I know that, I am ring striped, speckled and streaked, but I ain't thinking about that, I'm thinking about the votes. Now gentlemen,” continued Earth, “don't you think they ought to make me sheriff? I say, if Bob Black has floated farther on a log, killed more Ingens, or staid longer under the water than I have, elect him; if not, I say, what has he done to qualify him for the office of sheriff? I have killed more bears than Bob could eat if they were 'coons, and I have fou't some harder fights than Bob ever saw;—now I say agin, tell me what has he done that he ought to be made sheriff. Did any of you ever know him to call for a quart? I never did;—I have known him to call for several half pints in the course of a day, but I never did know him to step forward manfully, and say ‘give us a quart of your best.’ Then I say agin, what the hell has Bob Black done to qualify him for sheriff? Now, if you beat me, beat me with somebody, beat me with a man who knows something which ought to qualify him for sheriff, and not with Bob Black. Bob can't tell you this minute when a bear begins to suck his paws!” Then apparently disgusted with the character and acquirements of his competitor, Earth turned away to seek other company. As he did so, one of the group who had taken more than his proportion of a quart, staggered forward, and cried out “hurrah for Earth, I tell you what, he's a squealer.” While Earth was thus electioneering, his friend Rolfe, who had left the Court House, after the decision of his case against him, was on another part of the ground, modestly stating what he conceived to be his qualifications, but which, by the by, Earth had never regarded in that light, and was also urging his claims to the office about to be bestowed. Seeing Earth leave the circle which he had been last entertaining, Rolfe approached him and said, “Earth, you must make a speech.” “Do what, Rolfe?” “You must make a speech, Earth.” “What, stand up and speak to 'em all like you did in the Court House.” “Yes.” “Oh hell!” said Earth, “I make a speech! I wouldn't do it to be made Governor. But if I was, I would jerk it into 'em mighty curiously.” “Then we will say no more about it,” said Rolfe. “You are right about that,” said Earth, and they parted each to electioneer after his own manner. Night came; the election was over, and our old friend Earth proclaimed Sheriff. Leaving Rolfe to attend to his profession, and Earthquake to discharge the duties of the office which had just been conferred on him, let us proceed with other parts of our story. CHAPTER XVI. “The monarch mind, the mystery of commanding, The birth-hour gift, the art Napoleon, Of winning, fettering, moulding, wielding, banding The hearts of millions till they move as one; “Thou hast it.” HALLECK.