“Mr. Chairman! I move you that article 57 of our by-laws be copied and certified to under our corporate seal and delivered to this young gentleman, that he may return it with the sight draft. Here is the wording of article 57: ‘Further, that this corporation, the Waterville Town Company refuses to honor or pay sight drafts from any and all sources.’.rdquo; “You have heard the question,” said the excited chairman, bringing his cane down with great vehemence. “Do I hear a second?” “We all second it.” Silence having been restored, Judge Legal again addressed the chair: “Mr. Secretary,” said the chairman, “record the question as carried unanimously.” “Mr. Chairman,” said he, “ [121] in the future all printing by the Waterville Town Company will be sent to another printing establishment.” “Unless there is opposition, we will consider the question as carried unanimously,” said the chairman. At this juncture the chairman took the floor, and addressing the directors, said: “There are times when, notwithstanding the power of our united intellects, questions of a very exasperating nature confront us, and, momentarily, we are at a loss to know just what to do; but it is only momentarily—we meet every crisis. It takes us a very short time to decide; and, with us, decision is action. “In my experience I have observed that, occasionally, storms of opposition sweep down upon men like an irresistible avalanche. At such times it is well to retreat to some protected place and let the storm tire itself out—beat itself into exhaustion, so to speak—until its very protest becomes a dead silence. Refreshed with the rest we have had, we may then safely sally forth, and, with renewed vigor, arrange a flank movement on the enemy, and everlastingly choke opposition into a corpse.” When the chairman sat down he motioned Vance to his side, and said, sotto voce: “Was not that a master stroke, Mr. Gilder? Do not we meet and dispose of questions that would simply stump any ordinary body of men into inaction? Opposition does not faze us; no sir, we know our rights, and are here to fight for them.” The citizens were very much elated over the prospects of a foundry and a sash, blind and door factory at Waterville. Their gratitude to the Town Company was very marked, and was evidenced by three hearty cheers and many huzzas. [122] Presently the meeting of the Town Company adjourned, and then there was much clapping of hands and more cheering. Each member of the company crowded around Vance and shook him warmly by the hand, and assured him they had had one of the most profitable meetings that had ever taken place. CHAPTER XV.—MISS VIRGINIA BONIFIELD. 9131 |ANCE [123] had become so thoroughly interested during his first visit to Waterville, that he was prepared, in a degree, to share in a general way the enthusiasm of the citizens and the members of the Waterville Town Company which prevailed after the meeting adjourned.