of the King's Arms, from the balconies of which a most
satisfactory account of the polling was already placarded. The extra
noise and shouting brought out the Colonel, who looked at first with
curiosity at the advancing procession, and then, as he caught sight of
Sarah Mason, with a blush and a bow of his kind old head.

"Look at him, boys!" cried the enraptured F. B., pointing up to the old
man. "Look at him; the dear old boy! Isn't he an old trump? which will
you have for your Member, Barnes Newcome or Old Tom?"

And as might be supposed, an immense shout of "Old Tom!" arose from the
multitude; in the midst of which, blushing and bowing still, the
Colonel went back to his committee-room: and the bands played "See the
Conquering Hero" louder than ever; and poor Barnes in the course of his
duty having to come out upon his balcony at the Roebuck opposite, was
saluted with a yell as vociferous as the cheer for the Colonel had been;
and old Mrs. Mason asked what the noise was about; and after making
several vain efforts, in dumb show, to the crowd, Barnes slunk back into
his hole again as pale as the turnip which was flung at his head: and
the horses were brought, and Mrs. Mason driven home; and the day of
election came to an end.

Reasons of personal gratitude, as we have stated already, prevented
His Highness the Prince de Moncontour from taking a part in this family
contest. His brethren of the House of Higg, however, very much to
Florac's gratification, gave their second votes to Colonel Newcome,
carrying with them a very great number of electors: we know that in
the present Parliament, Mr. Higg and Mr. Bunce sit for the borough of
Newcome. Having had monetary transactions with Sir Barnes Newcome, and
entered largely into railway speculations with him, the Messrs. Higg had
found reason to quarrel with the Baronet; accuse him of sharp practices
to the present day, and have long stories to tell which do not concern
us about Sir Barnes's stratagems, grasping, and extortion. They their
following, deserting Sir Barnes, whom they had supported in previous
elections, voted for the Colonel, although some of the opinions of that
gentleman were rather too extreme for such sober persons.

Not exactly knowing what his politics were when he commenced the
canvass, I can't say to what opinions the poor Colonel did not find
himself committed by the time when the election was over. The worthy
gentleman felt himself not a little hum