that
fellow, Pabsby," he said. "No, I won't," said Sir Thomas. "And be
very civil to old Pile." "He doesn't seem disposed to return the
compliment," said Sir Thomas. "But he doesn't want your interest
in the borough," said Trigger, with the air of a man who had great
truths to teach. "In electioneering, Sir Thomas, it's mostly the same
as in other matters. Nothing's to be had for nothing. If you were a
retail seller of boots from Manchester old Pile would be civil enough
to you. You may snub Spicer as much as you please, because he'll
expect to get something out of you." "He'll be very much deceived,"
said Sir Thomas. "I'm not so sure of that," said Trigger;--"Spicer
knows what he's about pretty well." Then, at last, Mr. Trigger went,
assuring Sir Thomas most enthusiastically that he would be with him
before nine the next morning.

Many distressing thoughts took possession of Sir Thomas as he lay in
bed. He had made up his mind that he would in no way break the law,
and he didn't know whether he had not broken it already by giving
these people tobacco and wine. And yet it would have been impossible
for him to have refused Mr. Trigger permission to order the supply.
Even for the sake of the seat,--even for the sake of his reputation,
which was so much dearer to him than the seat,--he could not have
bidden guests, who had come to him in his own room, to go elsewhere
if they required wine. It was a thing not to be done, and yet, for
aught he knew, Mr. Trigger might continue to order food and wine, and
beer and tobacco, to be supplied ad libitum, and whenever he chose.
How was he to put an end to it, otherwise than by throwing up the
game, and going back to London? That now would be gross ill-usage to
the Conservatives of Percycross, who by such a step would be left in
the lurch without a candidate. And then was it to be expected that he
should live for a week with Mr. Trigger, with no other relief than
that which would be afforded by Messrs. Pile, Spiveycomb, and Co.
Everything about him was reeking of tobacco. And then, when he sat
down to breakfast at nine o'clock there would be Mr. Trigger!

The next morning he was out of bed at seven, and ordered his
breakfast at eight sharp. He would steal a march on Trigger. He went
out into the sitting-room, and there was Trigger already seated
in the arm-chair, studying the list of the voters of Percycross!
Heavens, what a man! "I thought I'd look in early, and they told me
you