Well, you know the cue. I gave it to you to-night. The next thing is,
how strong can you come down?"

"You know I've failed."

"Of course you have. That's the reason the boys will expect you to be
very liberal."

"How much?" inquired Abel.

"Let me see. There'll be the printing, halls, lights, ballots,
advertisements--Well, I should say a thousand dollars, and a thousand
more for extras. Say two thousand for the election, and a thousand for
the committee."

"Devil! that's rather strong!" replied Abel.

"Not at all," said General Belch. "Your going to Washington secures the
grant, and the grant nets you at least three thousand dollars upon every
share. It's a good thing, and very liberal at that price. By-the-by,
don't forget that you're a party man of another sort. You do the dancing
business, and flirting--"

"Pish!" cried Abel; "milk for babes!"

"Exactly. And you're going to a place that swarms with babes. So give 'em
milk. Work the men through their wives, and mistresses, and daughters. It
isn't much understood yet; but it is a great idea."

"Why don't you go to Congress?" asked Abel, suddenly.

"It isn't for my interest," answered the General. "I make more by staying
out."

"How many members are there for Belch?" continued Abel.

The General did not quite like the question, nor the tone in which it was
asked. His fat nose glistened for a moment, while his mouth twisted into
a smile, and he answered,

"They're only for Belch as far as Belch is for them--"

"Or as far as Belch makes them think he is," answered Abel, smiling.

The General smiled too, for he found the game going against him.

"We were speaking of your speech," said he. "Now, Newt, the thing's in
your own hands. You've a future before you. With the drill of the party,
and with your talents, you ought to do any thing."

"Too many rivals," said Abel, curtly.

"My dear fellow, what are the odds? They can't do any thing outside the
party, or without the drill. Make it their interest not to be ambitious,
and they're quiet enough. Here's William Condor--lovely, lovely William.
He loves the people so dearly that he does nothing for them at twenty
thousand dollars a year. Tell him that you will secure him his place, and
he's your humble servant. Of course he is. Now I am more familiar with
the details of these things, and I'm always at your service. Before you
go, there will be a caucus of the friends of the grant, which you must
attend,