I s'pose ye've
nothin agin our givin Sheriff Seymour a little mewsick."
"As much as you please, Abner."
CHAPTER THIRTEENTH
A PRAISE MEETING
As a fever awakes to virulent activity the germs of disease in the
body, so revolution in the political system develops the latent
elements of anarchy. It is a test of the condition of the system. The
same political shock which throws an ill-constituted and unsound
government into a condition of chaos, is felt in a politically
vigorous and healthful commonwealth, as only a slight disturbance of
the ordinary functions. The promptness with which the village of
Stockbridge relapsed into its ordinary mode of life after the revolt
and revolution of Tuesday, was striking testimony to the soundness and
vitality which a democratic form of government and a popular sense of
responsibility impart to a body politic. On Tuesday the armed uprising
of the people had taken place; on Wednesday there was considerable
effervescence of spirits, though no violence; on Thursday there was
still a number of loutish fellows loafing about the streets, wearing,
however, an appearance of being disappointed that there was no more
excitement, and no prospect of anything special turning up.
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