ous pros and cons with
considerable eagerness and cordiality. As far as he could see, there
was every probability of success. The present Member had been elected
by a clear thousand majority, and he had sufficient faith in himself to
believe that he could not only maintain that majority but increase it.

"By the way," he said at length, "have the other side selected their
man?"

"Well, yes and no," was the reply. "From what we hear they have not
fastened upon a party man, but they have approached young Paul
Stepaside."

Mr. Bolitho gave a look of astonishment. "What!" he cried.
"Stepaside! the fellow who a year or two ago----" And then he stopped.

"Yes," was the reply.

"But he hasn't been long out of prison."

"No," was the rejoinder. "But he's a remarkable chap, is Stepaside,
and there have been all sorts of foolish notions in the town so that
he's become very popular."

"I suppose these working-men's unions will pay his expenses, then?"
said Mr. Bolitho.

"I am not so sure of that," replied the chairman of the association.
"You see, Stepaside started manufacturing a little more than a year
ago, and he's been phenomenally successful. His partner is a very able
chap, too, and they know their business. So that I fancy Stepaside
will be able to pay his own expenses."

"And has he the confidence of the people?"

"He's the confidence of a certain class," was the reply, "and he would
be a strong candidate."

Mr. Bolitho looked thoughtful. "This is very awkward!" he said.

"You don't mean to say," said the chairman, "that this fact will alter
your decision?"

"No," he replied slowly. "I don't quite say that, but it puts a new
face on the question. You see, it will be awkward for me to oppose a
man in politics whom, less than two years ago, I practically sent to
gaol. Still, it gives a certain piquancy to the situation. Does he
know much about politics, by the way?"

"No, I don't think he does," replied the chairman of the association.
"And that's where our strength will lie. He's just an agitator, just a
clever speaker who can appeal to men's passions, but when he's faced
with facts he will be nowhere."

There was a short silence after this. It was evident that some present
did not agree with what had been said, but no one spoke a word. All
seemed to be afraid lest Mr. Bolitho would fail them at this juncture,
and they looked upon him as the man most likely to lead them to victory.

Aft