d what they have a right to, is just
legislation. That's where we come in. Politics isn't a huge joke, or
the vehicle for any one man's personal ambition. We who interest
ourselves, however remotely, in them, impose upon ourselves a great
obligation. We've got to find the truth. That's why I hesitate to say
anything against Henslow's new departure. We're off the track now. I
want to hear all that Henslow has to say. We must not neglect a single
chance whilst that terrible cry is ever in our ears."

They parted at the tram terminus, Mr. Bullsom taking a car for his
suburban paradise. As usual, he was the centre of a little group of
acquaintances.

"And how goes the election, Bullsom?" some one asked him.

Mr. Bullsom was in no hurry to answer the question. He glanced round
the car, collecting the attention of those who might be supposed
interested.

"I will answer that question better," he said, "after the mass meeting
on Saturday night. I think that Henslow's success or failure will
depend on that."

"Got something up your sleeve, eh?" his first questioner remarked.

"Maybe," Mr. Bullsom answered. "Maybe not. But apart from the
immediate matter of this election, I can tell you one thing, gentlemen,
which may interest you."

He paused. One thumb stole towards the armhole of his waistcoat. He
liked to see these nightly companions of his hang upon his words. It
was a proper and gratifying tribute to his success as a man of affairs.

"I have just left," he said, "our future Member."

The significance of his speech was not immediately apparent.

"Henslow! Oh, yes. Committee meeting this afternoon, wasn't it?" some
one remarked.

"I do not mean Henslow," Mr. Bullsom replied. "I mean Kingston
Brooks."

The desired sensation was apparent.

"Why, he's your new agent, isn't he?"

"Young fellow who plays cricket rather well."

"Great golfer, they say!"

"Makes a good speech, some one was saying."

"Gives free lectures at the Secular Hall." "Rather a smart young
solicitor, they say!"

Mr. Bullsom looked around him.

"He is all these things, and he does all these things. He is one of
these youngsters who has the knack of doing everything well. Mark my
words, all of you. I gave him his first case of any importance, and I
got him this job as agent for Henslow. He's bound to rise. He's
ambitious, and he's got the brains. He'll be M.P. for this borough
before we know where we are."

Half-a-dozen men of more o