They were seated about a table, enveloped in blue clouds, and hushed to a grave and pertinent silence which clarified immediately the circumstance that whatever debate had preceded his arrival, it was now settled.
Their greeting of him, however, though exceedingly quiet, indicated a certain expectancy, as he accepted the chair which had been left for him at the head of the table.He looked thinner and paler than usual, which is saying a great deal; but presently, finding that the fateful hush which his entrance had broken was immediately resumed, a twinkle came into his eye, one of his eyebrows went up and a corner of his mouth went down.
"Well, gentlemen?" he said.
The smokers continued to smoke and to do nothing else; the exception being Mr.Sheehan, who, though he spoke not, exhibited tokens of agitation and excitement which he curbed with difficulty; shifting about in his chair, gnawing his cigar, crossing and uncrossing his knees, rubbing and slapping his hands together, clearing his throat with violence, his eyes fixed all the while, as were those of his companions, upon Mr.Farbach; so that Joe was given to perceive that it had been agreed that the brewer should be the spokesman.
Mr.Farbach was deliberate, that was all, which added to the effect of what he finally did say.
"Choe," he remarked, placidly, "you are der next Mayor off Canaan.""Why do you say that?" asked the young man, sharply.