One afternoon, Polly Barker came outside. She told Jerry Barker that a man wanted to hire the cab (carriage). It was time for the election (a time when people vote for new leaders).
Jerry Barker said no. He did not want to put political signs on his cab (carriage). He did not want his horses to carry people who were drunk. He said it was an insult to the horses.
Polly Barker asked if Jerry Barker liked the man. Jerry Barker said the man was rich but he did not understand poor workers. Jerry Barker said every man must vote for what is best for the country.
The next morning, Dolly Barker came into the yard. She was crying. Her dress was dirty with mud. She said some naughty boys threw mud at her.
Harry Barker was very angry. He said the boys called Dolly Barker a name because of her clothes. Harry Barker fought the boys to protect his sister.
Jerry Barker told Harry Barker to always protect his sister. But Jerry Barker did not want his family to fight about the election (voting time). He said people fight about colors like blue or orange.
Jerry Barker said, “People think their color means liberty. But they do not know what they are shouting about. They only use the election (voting time) as an excuse to get drunk and be mean.”
Jerry Barker was serious. He said an election (voting time) is a very important thing. He said every man should follow his heart and let his neighbors do the same.