all," said Pelham, who
feared that some mistake might defeat his hopes.

"So do I," replied Shuffles, who was disturbed by the same dread.

"Have you any idea what the result will be?" asked Pelham, who, in spite
of the mutual "toggling," and the mutual assurances of good faith, had
some doubts whether his rival would be willing to accept the result.

"Well, I don't know," replied Shuffles, cautiously, and with the same
want of confidence which disturbed his companion. "There is no knowing
who will be governor till after election."

"Of course not, but you might have some idea of the way the thing is
going?"

"I might, but what's the use of talking when we shall know all about it
in ten or fifteen minutes?"

"Of course you have some hopes."

"To be sure I have; and I suppose you have, too."

"Certainly I have; if I hadn't, I should have given the thing up without
the trouble and risk of a ballot," replied Pelham.

"We both expect it, and it follows that one of us must be disappointed."

"You know the bond."

"I do."

"Here is my hand, Shuffles. I pledge myself over again to abide the
result of the vote, whether it is for me or against me," continued
Pelham, extending his hand.

"And here is my hand, Pelham, with the same pledge, honor bright,"
replied Shuffles, as he took the offered hand.

"I am tolerably confident of the result," added Pelham.

"I am quite confident that I shall be chosen," replied Shuffles.

"Don't be too certain, my dear fellow," laughed the fourth lieutenant.
"I have taken in a great many recruits."

"I'm glad you have--the more the better. I have also taken in a good
many. Pelham, do you know this is very shaky business?"

"Shaky?"

"Yes--between you and me, I mean. If either of us should back down, the
whole thing would fall to the ground."

"Back down!" exclaimed Pelham. "Why, after what has passed between us, I
consider it impossible that either of us should back down. I am pledged;
so are you; and if either of us should back down, I hope he will--fall
overboard accidentally."

"So do I," replied Shuffles, heartily.

"My dear fellow, if you should back out, I should be mad enough to help
you over the rail, some dark evening, if I had a good chance."

"I don't believe I should feel any better-natured if you should break
your agreement. One of us is doomed to disappointment. We have tried to
make this thing as fair as possible."

"Certainly we have, and it will be