“For instance, Mr. Newt,” said Mr. Enos Slugby, who was interested in General Belch’s little plans, “you have no doubt that Congress ought to pass the grant to purchase the land for Fort Arnold, which has been offered to it by the company of which our friend General Belch is counsel?”
“None at all,” replied Abel. “I should work for it as hard as I could.”
This was not unnatural, because General Belch had promised him an interest in the sale.
“Really, then,” said Mr. William Condor, who was also a proprietor, “I do not see that a better candidate could possibly be offered to our fellow-citizens. The General Committee meet to-morrow night. They will call the primaries, and the Convention will meet next week. I think we all understand each other. We know the best men in our districts to go to the Convention. The thing seems to me to be very plain.”
“Very,” said the others, smoking.
“Shall it be Abel Newt?” said Mr. Condor.
“Ay!” answered the chorus.
“I propose the health of the Honorable Abel Newt, whom I cordially welcome as a colleague,” said Mr. Ele.
Bumpers were drained. It was past midnight, and the gentlemen rose. They came to Abel and shook his hand; then they swarmed into the hall and put on their hats and coats.
“Stay, Newt,” whispered Belch, and Abel lingered.