Mr. Ford spoke with much bitterness.  Men do not like to make such mistakes, but those of high character are always ready to do what they can to right such wrongs.

“But there was no real harm done?” interrupted the major.

“No harm done!  To take two innocent girls into that office and accuse them of—­I don’t know what!  Why, Major, it was simply outrageous,” and Mr. Ford paced the floor impatiently.

“It was a lucky thing that my young man, Ralph Willoby, happened along, although it seemed unlucky enough for him.  But I believe he is not injured beyond a cut lip and bruised eye.  The old squire seemed to have entirely lost control of himself.  This comes from keeping incompetent men in office—­just through sentiment.”

“Exactly.  They can do more harm than one would imagine.  Think how he talked me into the idea that this poor Travers family should pay my daughter’s doctor bill!  And I told him to go ahead and collect it!”

Each time that this thought came to Mr. Ford it seemed to him more repugnant.  First, that he should have blamed Tavia without investigating the matter himself; next that he should have allowed a man like Squire Sanders to “humbug” him.

“Well,” said the major, “we now have it in our power to put the right man in the office of Justice of the Peace.  You know John Travers was up for it last year.”

“I do, but—­he is not of our party.”

“Yet you admit he is the right man?”

“I know of no one better fitted for the office.”

“Then make it the man this time, and leave the party aside.  Franklin MacAllister was in this afternoon.  He says the appointment must be made at once, but that your faction in the council will oppose Travers.  Your vote can decide the matter.”

Mr. Ford was silent for a moment.  Men think it almost a sacred obligation to “stick to their party,” especially when that party puts the member in office with the understanding that their interests shall be looked after.

“It may cost me my place on the board—­” said Mr. Ford thoughtfully, “but that will not affect my family, or my pocket-book—­”

“Still you have been a good member,” interrupted the major, “and we cannot afford to lose you, either.”

“But you said Mac. stated my vote would carry it one way or other?”

“Yes, he has canvassed it.”

“Then Travers shall be the man!” and Mr. Ford brought one hand down on the other in a most determined, and defiant manner.

“Strange,” said Major Dale, “but the children have settled this for us.  My little girl Dorothy had the whole thing planned out, and talked me over to her way.  She is very fond of the Travers girl, you know.”

The office door opened and Mr. MacAllister entered.

“Hullo!” he said cheerily.  “Been lobbying, Major?”

“Seems so.”

“Well, Travers has my vote,” Mr. Ford hurried to say.