regarded them with
fear and jealousy, considered the struggle rather between them and
himself, than any longer between himself and the Tories; and strove,
while it was yet time, to reinforce himself by a body of allies, which,
should the contest really take place, might be certain of giving him the
superiority. The Marquis of Chester was among the most powerful of the
neutral noblemen: it was of the greatest importance to gain him to the
cause. He was a sturdy, sporting, independent man, who lived chiefly
in the country, and turned his ambition rather towards promoting
the excellence of quadrupeds, than the bad passions of men. To this
personage Lord Dawton implored me to be the bearer of a letter, and to
aid, with all the dexterity in my power, the purpose it was intended to
effect. It was the most consequential mission yet entrusted to me, and
I felt eager to turn my diplomatic energies to so good an account.
Accordingly, one bright morning I wrapped myself carefully in my cloak,
placed my invaluable person safely in my carriage, and set off to
Chester Park, in the county of Suffolk.

CHAPTER LXI.

Hinc Canibus blandis rabies venit--Virgil Georgics.

I should have mentioned, that the day after I sent Glanville Tyrrell's
communication, I received a short and hurried note from the former,
saying, that he had left London in pursuit of Tyrrell, and that he would
not rest till he had brought him to account. In the hurry of the public
events in which I had been of late so actively engaged, my mind had not
had leisure to dwell much upon Glanville; but when I was alone in my
carriage, that singular being, and the mystery which attended him,
forced themselves upon my reflection, in spite of all the importance of
my mission.

I was leaning back in my carriage, at (I think) Ware, while they were
changing horses, when a voice, strongly associated with my meditations,
struck upon my ear. I looked out, and saw Thornton standing in the yard,
attired with all his original smartness of boot and breeches: he was
employed in smoking a cigar, sipping brandy and water, and exercising
his conversational talents in a mixture of slang and jokeyism,
addressed to two or three men of his own rank of life, and seemingly his
companions. His brisk eye soon discovered me, and he swaggered to the
carriage door with that ineffable assurance of manner which was so
peculiarly his own.

"Ah, ah, Mr. Pelham," said he, "going to Newmarket, I s