It seemed to be the sense of the meeting that retrenchment was in order. One speaker advised the closing of the public school. The suggestion seemed to meet with favor. Old Dick Ballard pushed his way through the crowd, and addressing the chairman, begged the crowd to listen to reason. “You know,” he continued, “that I’m your school director in this township. The office sought me; I didn’t seek the office. Retrenchment in any other line exceptin’ the closin’ down of our public school is, perhaps, all right; but do not take a step backward. Our public school system is our pride, and should appeal to the patriotism of every one here.” [160] In conclusion, he offered to give an entertainment with his State Militia Company for the benefit of the public school of Waterville. Hi is remarks would probably have been effective had not a fiery speaker followed him and advanced the idea that by discontinuing the public school it would be a direct rebuke to the Waterville Town Company. “Let it be noised abroad,” said he, “that the residents of Waterville refuse to pay any school taxes, and then the Waterville town Company will begin to understand that we must be consulted, or we will thwart their schemes of booming this town. All they care for, anyway, is the money there is in selling town lots.” The speaker then asked Dick Ballard how much money was in the teacher’s fund of the school treasury. Ballard said he did not know, but he could find out in a day or two. The speaker then addressed the chair, and said: “I move you, sir, that it is the sense of this public demonstration that we quit paying taxes to support a public school in Waterville, and when the funds now on hand are exhausted that our school be closed.” The motion almost unanimously prevailed. There were a few feeble protests, but they were not recognized by the presiding officer. A little later Vance felt some one plucking at his sleeve, and old Dick Ballard motioned him to follow. “Now, sir,” said Ballard, in a deep whisper when they were alone, “there is some mighty important work to be done. Be in the parlor of my hotel in half an hour from now. Say nothin’.” At this Dick Ballard, with a mysterious look on his face, turned and hurried away. A little later Vance walked over to the hotel and found [161] Dick Ballard, Homer Winthrop, and Marcus Donald. They apparently were waiting for him. Ballard was very careful to lock the door securely. 9169 He then turned and said: “Now, gentlemen, we have business of importance on hand. Yes, sir, the time has come for us to act, and act promptly. Hold on—just wait a moment until I read you a letter. This is private,” said he, tapping a letter which he unfolded with a great flourish. “This is from General Ira House, the greatest town builder in the world. Now, here’s what he says: