“Misther Chairman, Oi have the honor to nominate for chairman av this meetin’ the people’s an’ the children’s friend, Misther Peter Stirling, an’ Oi don’t have to move to make it unanimous, for such is the intelligince an’ manhood av this meetin’ that it will be that way for shure.” Peter saw a hurried consultation going on between Gallagher, Muldoon, and two others, during the latter part of this speech, and barely had Dennis finished his remarks, when Justice Gallagher spoke up. “Mr. Chairman.” “The Honorable Justice Gallagher,” said that gentleman. “I take pride in withdrawing in favor of Mr. Stirling, who so justly merits the honor of presiding on this important occasion. From recent events too well known to need mention, I am sure we can all look to him for justice and fairness.” “Bad cess to him!” groaned Dennis. “Oi hoped they’d be just fools enough to oppose yez, an’ then we’d have won the first blood.” Peter was chosen without dissent, and was escorted to the seat behind the desk. “What is the first business before the meeting?” he asked of Gallagher, aside, as he was taking his seat. “Election of delegates to the State convention. That’s all to-night,” he was told. Peter had presided at college in debates, and was not flurried. “Will you stay here so as to give me the names of those I don’t know?” he said to the enrolling officer. “The meeting will please come to order,” he continued aloud. “The nomination of delegates to the State convention is the business to be acted upon.” “Misther Chairman,” yelled Dennis, evidently expecting to find another rival as before. But no one spoke. “Mr. Moriarty,” said Peter. “Misther Chairman. It’s my delight to nominate as delegates to the State convention, the Honorable Misther Schlurger, our distinguished representative in the Assembly, the Honorable Misther Kennedy, our noble Police-commissioner, an’ Misther Caggs, whom it would be insult for me to praise in this company.” “Second the motion,” said some one. “Mr. Chairman,” shouted a man. “That’s Caggs,” said the enrolling officer. “Mr. Caggs,” said Peter. “Mr. Chairman,” said Caggs. “I must decline the honor offered me from such a source.” “What?” shrieked Dennis, amazement and rage contesting for first place in voice and expression. “Mr. Chairman,” said Dummer. “Mr. Dummer,” said Peter. “I have the honor to nominate the Honorable Justice Gallagher, Mr. Peter Sweeney, and Mr. Caggs, to whom Mr. Moriarty has just paid so glowing a tribute, as delegates to the State convention.” “Second the—” shouted some one, but the rest was drowned by another storm which swept through the room. Even above the tumult, Peter could hear Dennis challenging and beseeching Mr. Caggs to come “outside an’ settle it like gentlemen.” Caggs, from a secure retreat behind Blunkers’s right arm, declined to let the siren’s song tempt him forth. Finally Peter’s pounding brought a degree of quiet again. “Misther Chairman,” said Dennis.