sing, and the rest of their talk was mainly
about the arrangements for the morrow.

About the time that Ivy Glazzard was going home, her uncle left
Polterham by train. He travelled some thirty miles, and alighted at a
large station, which, even thus late, was full of noise and bustle.
After drinking a cup of coffee in the refreshment-room, he crossed to
another platform, and then paced up and down for a quarter of an hour,
until the ringing of a bell gave notice that a train which he awaited
was just arriving. It steamed into the station, and Glazzard's eye,
searching among the passengers who got out, quickly recognized a tall,
thin figure.

"So, here you are," he said, holding his hand to Northway, who smiled
doubtfully, and peered at him with sleepy eyes. "I have a room at the
station hotel--come along."

They were presently at their ease in a sitting-room, with a hot supper
on the table. Northway ate heartily; his entertainer with less gusto,
though he looked in excellent spirits, and talked much of the impending
elections. The meal dismissed, Glazzard lit a cigar (Northway did not
smoke) and broached the topic of their meeting.

"Now, what I am going to propose to you may seem disagreeable. I take
it for granted that we deal honourably--for my own purpose is nothing
to be ashamed of; and if, after hearing what I ask, you don't care to
undertake it, say so at once, and there's no harm done."

"Well, let me know what it is?" replied the other, plucking at his
throat.

"Plainly then, I am engaged in election work. My motives are political."

"Oh!"

"The man of whom we spoke the other day is standing as candidate for a
borough not very far from here--not _this_ town. Not long ago I
discovered that secret of his private life. I am going to use it
against him--to floor him with this disgrace. You understand?"

"Which side is he?"

"Liberal. But to a man of your large views, that of course makes no
difference."

"Not a bit!" Northway replied, obviously flattered. "You are a
Conservative, then?"

"Yes; I am Conservative. I think (as I am sure _you_ do) that
Liberalism is a mere name, used for the most part by men who want to
make tools of the people."

"Yes, I agree with that," said Northway, putting his head aside and
drawing in his cheeks.

Glazzard repressed a smile, and smoked for a moment.

"What I want you to do," he continued, "is this. To-morrow, by an early
train, you will go down to this borou