We're in the
same box. We do not understand. But take my word for it, we're here
to find out. So sit down."
She raised her hand. "One moment--"
"Sit down!" he thundered. "The court cannot be disturbed."
A hum went up from the crowd, words of dissent, and the man pounded the
table for silence. But Frona resolutely kept her feet.
When the noise had subsided, she addressed the man in the chair. "Mr.
Chairman: I take it that this is a miners' meeting." (The man nodded.)
"Then, having an equal voice in the managing of this community's
affairs, I demand to be heard. It is important that I should be heard."
"But you are out of order. Miss--er--"
"Welse!" half a dozen voices prompted.
"Miss Welse," he went on, an added respect marking his demeanor, "it
grieves me to inform you that you are out of order. You had best sit
down."
"I will not," she answered. "I rise to a question of privilege, and if
I am not heard, I shall appeal to the meeting."
She swept the crowd with her eyes, and cries went up that she be given
a fair show. The chairman yielded and motioned her to go on.
"Mr. Chairman and men: I do not know the business you have at present
before you, but I do know that I have more important business to place
before you. Just outside this cabin is a man probably dying from
starvation. We have brought him from across the river.
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