d her that Stemm was the most careful of men. Up to
London he went with a full understanding that he was not at any
rate to be expected home on that night. He had business on hand of
great importance, which, as he declared, made his presence in town
imperative. Mr. Trigger, from Percycross, was to be up with reference
to the pestilent petition which had been presented against the
return of Griffenbottom and himself. Moggs had petitioned on his own
behalf, and two of the Liberals of the borough had also petitioned
in the interest of Mr. Westmacott. The two Liberal parties who
had quarrelled during the contest had now again joined forces in
reference to the petition, and there was no doubt that the matter
would go on before the judge. Mr. Trigger was coming up to London
with reference to the defence. Sir Thomas gave Stemm to understand
that Mr. Trigger would call at one o'clock.

Exactly at one o'clock the bell was rung at Sir Thomas's outside
door, and Stemm was on the alert to give entrance to Mr. Trigger.
When the door was opened who should present himself but our
unfortunate friend Neefit. He humbly asked whether Sir Thomas was
within, and received a reply which, as coming from Stemm, was
courteous in the extreme. "Mr. Trigger, I suppose;--walk in, Mr.
Trigger." Neefit, not at all understanding why he was called Trigger,
did walk in. Stemm, opening the door of his master's sanctum,
announced Mr. Trigger. Neefit advanced into the middle of the room.
Sir Thomas, with some solicitude as to the adjustment of his arm,
rose to greet his agent from Percy cross. "This isn't Mr. Trigger,"
said Sir Thomas. "He told me he was, anyhow," said Stemm, "I didn't
tell you nothing of the kind," said Neefit. "But you come from
Percycross?" said Sir Thomas. "No I don't; I comes from Conduit
Street," said Neefit. "You must go away," said Stemm, leaving the
door open, and advancing into the room as though to turn the enemy's
flank.

But Neefit, having made good his point so far, did not intend to be
dislodged without a struggle on his own part. "I've something to say
to Sir Thomas about Mr. Newton, as I wants to say very particular."
"You can't say it now," said Stemm. "Oh, but I can," said Neefit,
"and it won't take three minutes." "Wouldn't another day do for
it, as I am particularly busy now?" pleaded Sir Thomas. "Well, Sir
Thomas;--to tell the truth, it wouldn't," said Mr. Neefit, standing
his ground. Then there came another ring at