Stone resumed his seat, somewhat crestfallen, amid the smiles of those who were not in sympathy with him. But no sooner was he seated than Hooper, another ardent Barriscale supporter, sprang to his feet. It was evident that Hooper was laboring under considerable excitement. “One of the candidates here,” he declared, “is known to be a socialist and a companion of radicals who are opposed to all government. He doesn’t believe in the use of the military to suppress riot and disorder, nor in the punishment of any one who deliberately insults our flag. He is unpatriotic and un-American, and unsafe to be entrusted with the command of troops. Have we any right, legal or moral, to elect such a person as our first lieutenant?” Before the last word was out of Hooper’s mouth, and before the chairman could make any response, Private Moore, a warm friend of McCormack’s, was on his feet. “That’s slander!” he shouted, “and Hooper knows it. There’s no better soldier in the Guard, nor any more loyal citizen in this country than Sergeant Halpert McCormack; and it’s contemptible of you”--turning toward Hooper with red face and eyes blazing with indignation--“I say it’s contemptible of you even to intimate to the contrary.” Under Moore’s fierce gaze and emphatic language Hooper wilted and resumed his seat. Then Barriscale, himself, sprang into the breach. It was apparent that his lieutenants were not standing to their guns with the force and pertinacity that he had expected of them, and that he, himself, must leap in and push the argument home. Major Huntington, the chairman, had already raised his gavel, as if to shut off further discussion, but, apparently, having permitted Moore to be heard, he thought it was not wise to silence Barriscale. So the gavel did not fall. “It’s no slander!” declared Barriscale, dramatically. “What Hooper says is all true, and he hasn’t begun to tell it all either. I’ve investigated. I know this man’s record. And I tell you that he comes little short of being a full-fledged anarchist. He would put the red flag, to-day, above the Stars and Stripes. I give notice, now, that when this thing is over, either he will be dismissed from the Guard or I will. I shall refuse to serve in the same company----” He got no further. The buzz which had begun at the end of his first half dozen words had risen to a prolonged hiss, and it now deepened into a perfect roar of disapproval. Men on both sides sprang to their feet clamoring to be heard. It was then, for the first time, that the chairman’s gavel fell; and it fell with a crash that evidenced his state of mind. “Order!” he shouted. “I shall discipline the first man who remains on his feet or who says another word!” Trained to obey commands, the men resumed their seats and were silent. But, on every face was a flush of excitement, apprehension or anger.