Crewe to say any more than that--no
need for the admirable discussion of railroad finance from an expert's
standpoint which followed to controvert Mr. Ridout's misleading
statements. The reading of the words on the slip of paper of which he
had so mysteriously got possession (through Mr. Hamilton Tooting) was
sufficient to bring about a disorder that for a full minute--Mr. Speaker
Doby found it impossible to quell. The gallery shook with laughter,
and honourable members with slips of paper in their hands were made as
conspicuous as if they had been caught wearing dunces' caps.

It was then only, with belated wisdom, that Mr. Bascom and his two noble
companions gave up the fight, and let the horde across the bridge--too
late, as we shall see. The populace, led by a redoubtable leader, have
learned their strength. It is true that the shining senatorial twenty of
the body-guard stand ready to be hacked to pieces at their posts before
the Pingsquit bill shall become a law; and should unutterable treason
take place here, his Excellency is prepared to be drawn and quartered
rather than sign it. It is the Senate which, in this somewhat inaccurate
repetition of history, hold the citadel if not the bridge; and in
spite of the howling mob below their windows, scornfully refuse even to
discuss the Pingsquit bill. The Honourable Hilary Vane, whose face they
study at dinner time, is not worried. Popular wrath does not continue
to boil, and many changes will take place in the year before the
Legislature meets again.

This is the Honourable Hilary's public face. But are there not
private conferences in room Number Seven of which we can know
nothing--exceedingly uncomfortable conferences for Horatius and his
companions? Are there not private telegrams and letters to the president
of the Northeastern in New York advising him that the Pingsquit bill has
passed the House, and that a certain Mr. Crewe is primarily responsible?
And are there not queries--which history may disclose in after years--as
to whether Mr. Crewe's abilities as a statesman have not been seriously
underrated by those who should have been the first to perceive them?
Verily, pride goeth before a fall.

In this modern version of ours, the fathers throng about another than
Horatius after the session of that memorable morning. Publicly and
privately, Mr. Crewe is being congratulated, and we know enough of his
character to appreciate the modesty with which the congratula