The papers relating to the Harrowfork Post-Office were sent for, and promptly produced. The delegate seized them without ceremony. The first endorsement that caught his eye, checked his eagerness, and induced reflection. "I'd like to know, sir," said he, "_what that means_?" as he called the Assistant's attention to the Word "REST," inscribed in formidable characters, very much resembling the hand-writing of the Post Master General. "If you think," he continued, "or imagine, or flatter yourselves that you're to have any kind of _rest_ in this marble building, till that rascally Blake is turned out, you're very much mistaken. Or if it means that you want the _rest_ of the temperance men in favor of his removal, I can promise you so much, on my responsibility as a delegate." The Assistant smiled. He had dealt with persons of John Harmon's temperament before. "Permit me to inform you," said he, "what that harmless little word signifies. It means nothing more nor less than that, for the present, no action is to take place. Ah!" he added, glancing at the brief upon the papers, "I remember this case very well! It has been from first to last an exceedingly vexatious one to the Department, and these memoranda bring it pretty fully to my recollection." "Well, sir," interrupted John Harmon, in his declamatory way--"isn't it plain? isn't it perfectly clear? Haven't we the rights of the case, sir?" "It is not quite so plain--not quite so clear--nor is it easy to determine who has the rights of the case," returned the official. "The most troublesome point at the present time, seems to be this: while, according to the documents, a majority of the citizens of Harrowfork seem to be eager for a removal, both the late member of Congress, and the newly elected one, have written private letters here--I mention this confidentially--in favor of the present incumbent." "You don't mean Ames?" cried John Harmon. "Ames hasn't come out for Blake?" "There is a letter on file, over his own signature, in which he represents that Blake is as suitable a man as could be named, and that he had better be continued in office." The Assistant spoke with seriousness and candor. John Harmon was thunderstruck. "Just give me a look at that letter!" said he, through his closed teeth. "I want to see it over Ames' own fist, before I believe it! When we promised our support for his election, he agreed to carry out our wishes in regard to the post-office, at all hazards! If he has dared to turn traitor!" muttered John Harmon, revengefully. "The letter is entirely of a private nature," said the Assistant, "but it is contrary to our wishes to keep any communications secret, that are designed to influence our public acts; and owing to the peculiar circumstances of the case, I am willing to show you the letter,--on condition, however, that its contents shall not be divulged outside the Department."