call canny about temperance."

"If you want me to wear any kind of glass button on the lapel of my
coat, I'll do it; but I'm not going to sign a total abstinence pledge.
I'd rather not be elected."

Titherington was himself drinking whiskey and water while we talked. He
grinned broadly and I felt reassured. We had dined together in my hotel,
and Titherington had consumed the greater part of a bottle of champagne,
a glass of port, and a liqueur with his coffee. It was after dinner that
he demanded whiskey and water. It seemed unlikely that he would ask me
even to wear a button.

"As we're on the subject of temperance," he said, "you may as well sign
a couple of letters. I have them ready for you and I can post them as I
go home to-night." He picked up a despatch box which he had brought with
him and kept beside him during dinner. It gave me a shock to see the box
opened. It actually overflowed with papers and I felt sure that they
all concerned my election. Titherington tossed several bundles of them
aside, and came at last upon a small parcel kept together by an elastic
band.

"This," he said, handing me a long typewritten document, "is from the
Amalgamated Association of Licensed Publicans. You needn't read it. It
simply asks you to pledge yourself to oppose all legislation calculated
to injure the trade. This is your answer."

He handed me another typewritten document.

"Shall I read it?" I asked.

"You needn't unless you like. All I require is your signature."

I have learned caution in the diplomatic service. I read my letter
before signing it, although I intended to sign it whatever it might
commit me to. I had promised my uncle and given the Conservative and
Unionist Parliamentary Association to understand that I would place
myself unreservedly in Titherington's hands.

"I see," I said, "that I pledge myself----"

"You give the Amalgamated Association to understand that you pledge
yourself," said Titherington.

"The same thing, I suppose?"

"Not quite," said Titherington grinning again.

"Anyhow," I said, "it's the proper thing, the usual thing to do?"

"O'Donoghue has done it, and I expect that ruffian Vittie will have to
in the end, little as he'll like it."

I signed.

"Here," said Titherington, "is the letter of the joint committee of the
Temperance Societies."

"There appear to be twenty-three of them," I said, glancing at the
signatures.

"There are; and if there were only ten voters