Part 69 (2/2)
”Ah, you can see that.”
”A house divided against itself!” suggested Mr. Eden.
”Well, then,” said Mr. Woodc.o.c.k, ”let us try and give a more friendly tone to this discussion.”
”Why not?--our weapons would bear polis.h.i.+ng.”
”Yes; you have a high reputation, Mr. Eden, both for learning and Christian feeling; in fact, the general consideration in which you are held has made us more lenient in this case than we should have been with another man in your office.”
”There you are all wrong.”
”You can't mean that; make us some return for this feeling. You know and feel the value of peace and unity?”
”I do.”
”Then be the man to restore them to this place.”
”I will try.”
”The governor and you cannot pull together--one must go.”
”Clearly.”
”Well, then, no stigma shall rest on you--you will be allowed to offer us your voluntary resignation.”
”Excuse me, I propose to arrive at peace and unity by another route.”
”But I see no other.”
”If I turn Mr. Hawes out it will come to the same thing, will it not?”
”Mr. Hawes?”
”Mr. Hawes.”
”But you can't turn him out, sir,” sneered Williams.
”I think I can.”
”He has our confidence and our respect, and shall have our protection.”
”Still I will turn him out with G.o.d's help.”
”This is a defiance, Mr. Eden.”
”You cannot really think me capable of defying three justices of the peace!” said Mr. Eden in a solemn tone, his eyes twinkling.
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