ld probably feel it to be his duty to get
the question up. In regard to the mustard, Mr. Trigger suggested that
though there was probably nothing in it, it might be as well to ask
the Secretary at War a question or two on the subject. Mr. Spicer
was, no doubt, a moving man in Percycross. Sir Thomas could at
any rate promise that he would ask such questions, as Mr. Spicer
certainly had friends who might be conducive to the withdrawal
of the petition. Sir Thomas could at any rate put himself into
correspondence with the War Office. Mr. Trigger also thought that
Sir Thomas might judiciously study the subject of Italian rags,
in reference to the great paper trade of the country. No doubt
the manufacture of paper was a growing business at Percycross. Mr.
Trigger returned all the applications, and ended his letter by
hinting that the cheques might as well be sent at once. Mr. Trigger
thought that "a little money about the borough," would do good at the
present moment.

It need hardly be said that this view of things was not pleasant to
the sitting member, who was still confined to his house at Fulham
by an arm broken in the cause. Sir Thomas had at once sent the L50
towards the Christmas festivities for the poor of the borough, and
had declared his purpose of considering the other matters. Then
had come a further letter from Mr. Trigger, announcing his journey
to London, and Mr. Trigger and Sir Thomas had their first meeting
after the election, immediately upon Mr. Neefit's departure from the
chambers. "And is it to be?" asked Stemm, as soon as he had closed
the door behind Mr. Trigger's back.

"Is what to be?"

"Them petitions, Sir Thomas? Petitions costs a deal of money they
tell me, Sir Thomas." Sir Thomas winced. "I suppose you must go on
now as your hand is in," continued Stemm.

"I don't know that at all," said Sir Thomas.

"You'll find as you must. There ain't no way out of it;--not now as
you are the sitting member."

"I am not going to ruin myself, Stemm, for the sake of a seat in
Parliament."

"I don't know how that may be, Sir Thomas. I hope not, Sir Thomas.
But I don't see how you're not to go on now, Sir Thomas. If it wasn't
for petitions, one wouldn't mind."

"There must be petitions, of course; and if there be good cause for
them, they should succeed."

"No doubt, Sir Thomas. They say the bribery at Percycross was
tremenjous;--but I suppose it was on the other side."

"If it was on our side, Stem