'"
"Second the motion!" came from a hundred voices.
Strout was on his feet again.
"Mister Moderator," said he, "I move to amend the motion by havin' it
read that we decline, that the town declines the donation without
thanks."
A loud laugh arose from the assemblage.
Abner Stiles had evidently misinterpreted Mr. Strout's motion, for he
called out, "Mister Moderator," and when he got the floor, "I move to
amend so that the motion would read, this library shall be called the
Strout Free Library of the Town of Eastborough."
This was greeted with shouts of laughter, and Strout grasped Abner by
his coat collar and pulled him violently back upon the settee.
"Shut up, you fool," cried he between his teeth to Abner; "do you want
to make a laughin' stock of me?"
"I kinder thought I wuz a-helpin' yer," said Abner, as he ran his
fingers down under his chin and pulled away his shirt collar, which had
been drawn back so forcibly that it interfered with his breathing.
"The question now," said the Moderator, "is on the adoption of Mr.
Smith's motion. Those in favor will please stand up and be counted.
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