"That issue has been a winning one usually." "What do you mean ?" asked the astonished Hopkins.
"Why, the anti-sign fight has won in several places throughout the country, and local laws have been passed prohibiting them.

Didn't you know that ?" "No!" said Hopkins.
"Well, it's true.

Of course I do not know the temper of your people, but in a country district such as yours I would think an issue of that sort very hard to combat." "Nonsense!" exclaimed the Honorable Erastus.

"Ev'ry man Jack's agin the fool notion." "Then perhaps the people don't understand it." "Forbes has given up already," continued Hopkins, laughing at the recollection.

"He's gone back into his shell like a turtle, an' won't come out to fight.