"
Again the orator paused, and the audience arose to its feet. Applause,
cheers, and the waving of handkerchiefs attested that the speaker's
words had voiced the popular feeling. Once more Abner Stiles's voice
rose above the din, and three cheers for "Lindy Putnam, Countess of
Sussex," were given with such a will that the band outside caught the
enthusiasm and played "God Save the Queen," which most of the audience
supposed was "America."
"In conclusion," said the orator, "I have one more point to make, and
that is a purely personal one. Some writer has said the end justifies
the means, and another writer puts it this way, 'Do evil that good may
come.' In these two sayin's lies all the justification for many sayin's
and doin's that can be found; and if I were a conceited man or one
inclined to praise my own actions, I should say that the good fortune of
many of our distinguished guests this evening, and the handsome
financial backin' that this town has received, are due principally to my
personal exertions."
Here the speaker paused again and wiped his forehead, which was bedewed
with perspiration.
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