His black eyes glittered around the table, and Mr. Ele remembered a remark of General Belch's about Mr. Newt's riding upon the shoulders of his fellow-laborers. "Exactly, by the managers," said every body. "And now," said General Belch, cheerfully, "whom had we better propose to our fellow-citizens as a proper candidate for their suffrages to succeed the Honorable Mr. Bodley?" He leaned back and puffed. Mr. Ele, who had had a little previous conversation with the host, here rose and said, that, if he might venture, he would say, although it was an entirely unpremeditated thing, which had, in fact, only struck him while he had been sitting at that hospitable board, but had impressed him so forcibly that he could not resist speaking--if he might venture, he would say that he knew a most able and highly accomplished gentleman--in fact, it had occurred to him that there was then present a gentleman who would be precisely the man whom they might present to the people as a candidate suitable in every way. General Belch looked at Abel, and said, "Mr. Ele, whom do you mean?" "I refer to Mr. Abel Newt," responded the Honorable Mr. Ele. The company looked as companies which have been prepared for a surprise always look when the surprise comes. "Is Mr. Newt sound in the faith?" asked Mr. William Condor, smiling. "I answer for him," replied Mr. Ele. "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.