“I have the floor,” shouted Strout, “and I wish to finish my remarks.  This is only an attempt of the opposition to shut me off.  I demand to be heard!”

“Mister Moderator,” screamed Abner Stiles, “I move that Mr. Strout be allowed to continue without further interruption.”

The Moderator brought his gavel down on the table and called out, “Order, order.”  Then turning to Tobias, he said, “Mr. Smith, state your question of privilege.”

Strout sank into his seat, his face livid with passion; turning to Stiles, he said, “This is all cooked up between ’em.  You know you told me you saw Smith and Stackpole and that city chap drivin’ away from the Deacon’s house last Saturday mornin’.”

Stiles nodded his head and said, “I guess you’re right.”

Mr. Smith continued, “My question of privilege, Mister Moderator, is this:  I desire to present it now, because when I’ve stated it, my fellow citizen,” turning to Strout, “will find that it’s unnecessary to make any motion in relation to the matter to which he has referred.  I hold in my hand a letter from Mr. Quincy Adams Sawyer, whose father is the Hon. Nathaniel Sawyer of Boston, and whose uncle was Mr. James Sawyer, who died in the Eastborough Poorhouse several weeks ago.  By conference with Mr. Waters, who is in charge of the Poorhouse, and with the Town Treasurer, he ascertained that the total expense to which the town of Eastborough has been put for the care of his uncle was four hundred and sixty-eight dollars and seventy-two cents.  I hold his check for that sum, drawn to the order of the Town Treasurer, and certified to be good by the cashier of the Eastborough National Bank.  He has requested me to offer this check to the town, and that a receipt for the same be given by the Town Treasurer.”

Strout jumped to his feet.

“Mister Moderator, I am glad to learn,” cried he, “that this son of a millionaire has had his heart touched and his conscience pricked by the kindness shown by the town of Eastborough to his uncle, and I move the check be accepted and a receipt given by the Town Treasurer, as requested.”

“Second the motion!” called out Abner Stiles.

“Before puttin’ the question,” said the Moderator slowly, “I want to say a few words on this matter, and as it may be thought not just proper for me to speak from the chair, I will call upon the Rev. Caleb Howe to take the same durin’ my remarks.”

The well-known clergyman at Mason’s Corner came forward, ascended the platform, took the chair, and recognized Deacon Mason’s claim to be heard.

“I have heerd the motion to accept this check, an’ I desire ter say thet I am teetotally opposed to the town’s takin’ this money.  If the Honorable Nathaniel Sawyer, who’s the dead man’s brother, or Mr. Quincy Adams Sawyer, who’s his nephew, had known that he wuz a pauper, they would ’er relieved the town of any further charge.  We hev no legal claim agin either of these two gentlemen.