arnstaple was no exception to the rule. It had a character for
conspicuous discernment, and, like the unseen eagle in the sky, could
pick out at any distance the object of its desire.

Eminent, respectable, and rich must be the qualification of any
candidate who sought its suffrages--the last, at all events, being
indispensable.

Up to this time I had not felt those patriotic yearnings which are
manifested so early in the legal heart. I was never a political
adventurer; I had no eye on Parliament merely as a stepping-stone to a
judgeship; and probably, but for the events I am about to describe, I
should never have been heard of as a politician at all. There were so
many candidates in the profession to whom time was no object that I
left this political hunting-ground entirely to them.

In 1865 I was waited upon at Westminster by a very influential
deputation from the Barnstaple electors--honest-looking electors as
any candidate could wish to see--bringing with them a requisition
signed by almost innumerable independent electors, and stating that
there were a great many more of the same respectable class who would
have signed had time been permitted. Further signatures were, however,
to be forwarded. It was urged by the deputation that I should make my
appearance at Barnstaple at the earliest possible date, as no time was
to be lost, and they were most anxious to hear my views, especially
upon topics that they knew more about than I, which is generally the
case, I am told, in most constituencies. I asked when they thought I
ought to put in an appearance.

"Within a week at latest," said the leading spirit of the deputation.
"Within a week at latest," repeated all the deputation in chorus."
Because," said the leading personage, "there is already a gentleman of
the name of Cave" (it should have been pronounced as two syllables, so
as to afford me some sort of warning of the danger I was confronting)
"busily canvassing in all directions for the Liberal party, and
Mr. Howell Gwynne and Sir George Stukely will be the Conservative
candidates. However, it would be a certain seat if I would do them the
honour of coming forward. There would be little trouble, and it would
almost be a walk-over."

A walk-over was very nice, and the tantalizing hopes this deputation
inspired me with overcame my great reluctance to enter the field of
politics; and in that ill-advised moment I promised to allow myself to
be nominated.

It was