"Well, Sir, it's so early in the day, that I can't go any thing stronger than brandy." "Two cocktails--stiff," was the word of the gentleman to the bar-keeper. The companions took their glasses, and sat down behind a heavy screen. "Well, Sir, what's the word? I see there's going to be more meetin's." "Yes, Jim. Bodley has resigned." "Who's the man, Mr. Slugby?" asked Jim, as if to bring matters to a point. "Mr. Abel Newt has been mentioned," replied the gentleman with the diamond ring, which he had slipped into his waistcoat pocket before the interview. Jim cocked his eye at his glass, which was nearly empty. "Here! another cocktail," cried Mr. Slugby to the bar-tender. "Son of old Newt that bust t'other day?" "The same." "Well, I s'pose it's all right," said Jim, as he began his second tumbler. "Oh yes; he's all right. He understands things, and he's coming down rather strong. By-the-by, I've never paid you that ten dollars." And Mr. Slugby pulled out a bill of that amount and handed it to Jim, who received it as if he were pleased, but did not precisely recall any such amount as owing to him. "I suppose the boys will be thirsty," said Mr. Enos Slugby. "There never's nothin' to make a man thirsty ekal to a 'lection," answered Jim, with his huge features grinning. "Well, the fellows work well, and deserve it. Here, you needn't go out of your district, you know, and this will be enough." He handed more money to his companion. "Have 'em up in time, and don't let them get high until after the election of delegates. It was thought that perhaps Mr. Musher and I had better go to the Convention. It's just possible, Jim, that some of Bodley's friends may make trouble." "No fear, Mr. Slugby, we'll take care of that. Who do you want for chairman of the meeting?" answered Jim. "Edward Gasserly is the best chairman. He understands things." "Very well, Sir, all right," said Jim. "Remember, Jim, Wednesday night, seven o'clock. You'll want thirty men to make every thing short and sure. Gasserly, chairman; Musher and Slugby, delegates. And you needn't say any thing about Abel Newt, because that will all be settled in the Convention; and the delegates of the people will express their will there as they choose. I'll write the names of the delegates on this." Mr. Slugby tore off a piece of paper from a letter in his pocket, and wrote the names. He handed the list, and, taking out his watch, said, "Bless my soul, I'm engaged at eleven, and 'tis quarter past. Good-by, Jim, and if any thing goes wrong let me know." "Sartin, Sir," replied Jim, and Mr. Slugby departed.