“The Martins, of course,” resumed the other; “for, as Father Neal says, 'if we can secure the borough for you, you can well afford to stand by _us_; but if you were only Martin's member, he 'd drop you whenever it suited him.'” “As to-morrow, for instance, if his son should make his appearance!” “Just so; and that's the very reason for not losing a minute about getting the Martins in for the cost. What can they say, after choosing you and putting you forward?” “They might make a personal appeal to me,--a distinct request to give place to the son.” “And would n't you pay great attention to it?” said Magennis, in mockery. “I 'm not so very sure I 'd refuse,” said Massingbred, slowly. “Faith, then, you 'd better be candid enough to tell the electors so 'at once.' Look now, Mr. Massingbred,” said he, coming to a dead halt, and standing directly in front of him; “we don't go the same road, not one step, till I hear from you, distinctly and plainly, what you mean to do.” “This is somewhat of a peremptory proceeding,” replied Jack. “I think it would not be very unreasonable to allow a man in my situation a little time for reflection.” “Reflect upon what?” cried Magennis. “Is it what politics you 'd be? If that's what you mean, I think you 'd better say nothing about it.” “Come, come, Mac, you are not quite fair in this business; there _are_ difficulties,--there are embarrassments very often in the way of doing things which we have made up our minds to do. Now, if I were perfectly certain that the liberal interest here could succeed in spite of Martin--” “So it will.” “You're sure of that?” “I 'll show it to you on paper. We 'd rather have Martin with us and no contest, because it's cheaper; but if it must come to money, we 'll do it.” “Satisfy me on that point, and I'm with you; there's my hand on't!” And Magennis grasped him in his own strong fingers to ratify the contract. While “Mac” went on to give some insight into the views and wishes of his party, they reached the town and entered the main street, and held their way towards old Nelligan's shop. “That's Father Neal's pony at the door,” said Mac, as they approached the shop; “so we'll find them both together.” “I scarcely think I can enter here,” said Massingbred, “after what passed last between us. We surely did not part as friends.” “How little you know about us at all!” said Mac. “Old Dan bears you no malice, I 'd lay fifty pounds on it! But, if you like, I 'll just step in and take soundings.”