met them in
the _jardins_ of Paris; in the _casinos_ of London; in the cafes of
Havanna, and the "quadroon" balls of New Orleans--everywhere in the
crowded haunts of the world. I have met them with an instinct of
loathing--an instinct of antagonism.

"The fellow is likely to be our captain," whispered Clayley, noticing
that I observed the man with more than ordinary attention. "By the
way," continued he, "I don't half like it. I believe he's an infernal
scoundrel."

"Such are my impressions. But if that be his character, how can he be
elected?"

"Oh! no one here knows another; and this fellow is a splendid swordsman,
like all the Creoles, you know. He has used the trick to advantage, and
has created an impression. By the by, now I recollect, you are no
slouch at that yourself. What are you up for?"

"Captain," I replied.

"Good! Then we must go the `whole hog' in your favour. I have put in
for the first lieutenancy, so we won't run foul of each other. Let us
`hitch teams'."

"With all my heart," said I.

"You came in with that long-bearded hunter. Is he your friend?"

"He is."

"Then I can tell you that among these fellows he's a `whole team, and a
cross dog under the waggon' to boot. See him! he's at it already."

I had noticed Lincoln in conversation with several leather-legging
gentry like himself, whom I knew from their costume and appearance to be
backwoodsmen. All at once these saturnine characters commenced moving
about the room, and entering into conversation with men whom they had
not hitherto deigned to notice.

"They are canvassing," said Clayley.

Lincoln, brushing past, whispered in my ear, "Cap'n, I understan' these
hyur critters better'n you kin. Yer must mix among 'em--mix and
licker--thet's the idee."

"Good advice," said Clayley; "but if you could only take the shine out
of that fellow at fencing, the thing's done at once. By Jove! I think
you might do it, Haller!"

"I have made up my mind to try, at all events."

"Not until the last day--a few hours before the election."

"You are right. It would be better to wait; I shall take your advice.
In the meantime let us follow that of Lincoln--`mix and licker'."

"Ha! ha!" laughed Clayley; "let us come, boys," he added, turning to a
very thirsty-looking group, "let's all take a `smile'. Here, _Captain_
Haller! allow me to introduce you;" and the next moment I was introduced
to a crowd of very seedy-looking gentlemen,