hall
find you the wisest, the most logical, the discreetest, and the most
consistent community I have yet visited. But another word: how is
it that our friend the judge gave such equivocal instructions to
his charge; and why, in particular, did he lay so much stress on the
employment of means, which gave the lie flatly to all you have told me?"

Brigadier Downright hereupon stroked his chin, and observed that he
thought there might possibly be a shift of wind; and he also wondered
(quite audibly), when we should make the land. I afterwards persuaded
him to allow that a monikin was but a monikin, after all, whether he had
the advantages of universal suffrage, or lived under a despot.

CHAPTER XXIV. AN ARRIVAL--AN ELECTION--ARCHITECTURE--A ROLLING-PIN, AND
PATRIOTISM OF THE MOST APPROVED WATER.

In due time the coast of Leaplow made its appearance, close under our
larboard bow. So sudden was our arrival in this novel and extraordinary
country, that we were very near running on it, before we got a glimpse
of its shores. The seamanship of Captain Poke, however, stood us in
hand; and, by the aid of a very clever pilot, we were soon safely moored
in the harbor of Bivouac. In this happy land, there was no registration,
no passports, "no nothin'"--as Mr. Poke pointedly expressed it. The
formalities were soon observed, although I had occasion to remark, how
much easier, after all, it is to get along in this world with vice than
with virtue. A bribe offered to a custom-house officer was refused;
and the only trouble I had, on the occasion, arose from this awkward
obtrusion of a conscience. However, the difficulty was overcome, though
not quite as easily as if douceurs had happened to be in fashion; and we
were permitted to land with all our necessary effects.

The city of Bivouac presented a singular aspect as I first put foot
within its hallowed streets. The houses were all covered with large
placards, which, at first, I took to be lists of the wares to be vended,
for the place is notoriously commercial; but which, on examination, I
soon discovered were merely electioneering handbills. The reader will
figure to himself my pleasure and surprise, on reading the first that
offered. It ran as follows:

"HORIZONTAL NOMINATION.

"Horizontal-Systematic-Indoctrinated-Republicans: Attention!

"Your sacred rights are in danger; your dearest liberties are menaced;
your wives and children are on the point of dissolution; the