His Companion (disguising a slight vagueness as to the precise nature of this measure). I dessay, I dessay; but it's these 'ere Labour Kendidates as are playin' the dooce with us. Lost us several seats a'ready, they 'ave.
The R. S. My argument on that is this—the ole question o' the Labour was concocted four year ago at Devonshire 'Ouse.
His Companion (guardedly). It might ha' bin, but I don't foller yer, John.
An Independent. Anyway, you can't say as the Labour Candidate made any difference 'ere—he on'y polled twelve 'undred and fifty-one votes, and the Unionist had neely five thousand!
His Neighbour. No difference? 'Ow d' yer make that out? Why, the Radical was on'y four'underd or so be'ind, and it stands to reason, as if arf the Labour votes 'ad bin given to 'im, he'd 'a won easy!
The Independent (hastily). Yes, yes; jesso, jesso; but that wasn't my point. And Keir 'Ardie sez there'll be three 'underd Labour Kendidates next elections. Ah, and they'll find 'em, too!
A Unionist. I 'ope they may. More on 'em the merrier—for our side!
The Independent. Any'ow, Keir 'Ardie's safe for West 'Am. Majority o' twelve 'underd and thirty-two last time. Take a lot o' pulling down, that will! (Polling at West Ham (South) announced. Keir Hardie defeated by 775. Impartial joy of Tories and Liberals.) What? Chucked? 'Im! The on'y man with the morril courage to wear a deerstalker in the 'Ouse! They ain't fit to 'ave a vote!
[Exit disgustedly.
