was an entirely unpremeditated thing,
which had, in fact, only struck him while he had been sitting at that
hospitable board, but had impressed him so forcibly that he could not
resist speaking--if he might venture, he would say that he knew a most
able and highly accomplished gentleman--in fact, it had occurred to him
that there was then present a gentleman who would be precisely the man
whom they might present to the people as a candidate suitable in every
way.

General Belch looked at Abel, and said, "Mr. Ele, whom do you mean?"

"I refer to Mr. Abel Newt," responded the Honorable Mr. Ele.

The company looked as companies which have been prepared for a surprise
always look when the surprise comes.

"Is Mr. Newt sound in the faith?" asked Mr. William Condor, smiling.

"I answer for him," replied Mr. Ele.

"For instance, Mr. Newt," said Mr. Enos Slugby, who was interested in
General Belch's little plans, "you have no doubt that Congress ought to
pass the grant to purchase the land for Fort Arnold, which has been
offered to it by the company of which our friend General Belch is
counsel?"

"None at all," replied Abel. "I should work for it as hard as I could."

This was not unnatural, because General Belch had promised him an
interest in the sale.

"Really, then," said Mr. William Condor, who was also a proprietor,
"I do not see that a better candidate could possibly be offered to our
fellow-citizens. The General Committee meet to-morrow night. They will
call the primaries, and the Convention will meet next week. I think we
all understand each other. We know the best men in our districts to go
to the Convention. The thing seems to me to be very plain."

"Very," said the others, smoking.

"Shall it be Abel Newt?" said Mr. Condor.

"Ay!" answered the chorus.

"I propose the health of the Honorable Abel Newt, whom I cordially
welcome as a colleague," said Mr. Ele.

Bumpers were drained. It was past midnight, and the gentlemen rose. They
came to Abel and shook his hand; then they swarmed into the hall and put
on their hats and coats.

"Stay, Newt," whispered Belch, and Abel lingered.

The Honorable B.J. Ele also lingered, as if he would like to be the last
out of the house; for although this distinguished statesman did not care
to do otherwise than as General Belch commanded, he was anxious to be the
General's chief butler, while the remark about riding on his companions'
shoulders and the personal impres