Page:The gold brick (1910).djvu/115

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down the aisle stood Hill. You know how he would look at such a time, in his long black coat, his wide white shirt bosom with the big diamond, his rolling collar and black string tie, and his long black hair falling to his shoulders. You know how he would love such a moment—and it was his last chance that session. He stood there quietly a whole minute, and then putting a foot forward, said in his great bass voice:

"'Mistah Speakah.'

"Old 'Zeke rose and said:

"'Mister Doorkeeper.'

"'A message from the senate, by its secretary.'

"'A message from the senate by its secretary,' repeated 'Zeke, and then Bill had to give way to Sam Pollard, who stepped forth and said:

"'Mr. Speaker, I am directed to inform the house that the senate has passed senate bill No. 106'—I never shall forget the number of that bill, after all the sleepless nights it caused me, and the anxious mornings scanning the calendar to see if its black figures were there—'Senate bill No. 106. A bill for an act to amend an act entitled: An Act concerning the exercise of the right of eminent domain,