can explain the scheme of it." The great
scheme, which had been left upon a dressing-
table, or dropped in the streets was then
feebly explained.

Its chief characteristic was, that it treated
the people like wild beasts, who were
dangerous to themselves, and to each other.
They were to have a certain amount of
liberty administered to them in very small
doses, and with every precaution for the
public safety. There was to be a good
substantial Lodger Suffrage, with a powerful
checking agency; there was to be a Family
Suffrage, by which a certain number of
children were to count as one man,
according to the sum total of their ages, also
with a powerful checking agency; and there
was a variety of other eccentric popular
concessions, all carefully guarded by checking
agencies. The forces seemed so regulated
that they pulled in opposite directions with
equal power, leaving the thing to be moved
exactly where it stood. It was evident,
under this reform bill, the supply of independent
voters would not be increased to any
extent sufficient to bring down their standing
price in the political market. It was evident,
under this reform bill, that the exclusive
character of that large club, which is
popularly known by the title of the House of
Commons, would not be altered in any degree,
as the bill, could not possibly operate to
reduce the average eight thousand pounds
which every member was obliged to pay, or
get paid, as his entrance fee. Its introduction
was negatived by a tremendous majority.

Amongst the absurd minority of twenty
was Mr. Snarlington: and the debate
produced one remarkable effect; it forced a few
words from the stolid member for Fogmoor.

He promised to bring the question of
parliamentary reform before the house next
session, according to his view of dealing
with the subject. No one who heard him,
paid much heed to what he said.
Sufficient for the session was the evil of the
session. But Mr. Snarlington's words had
fallen upon the listening and astonished ear
of Sir Tomahawk Sternhold; and that
distinguished person sought his factious
colleague immediately the debate was over.

"Mr. Snarllington, sir," began Sir Tomahawk,
in a tone of dignified and concentrated
rage, "it is now a period of three
sessions——"

"And four ministries," struck in Mr.
Snarlington, in a very unusual manner.

"No matter, sir," returned Sir Tomahawk,
sharply, annoyed at the interruption. "no
matter. It is now a period of three sessions
since you were returned to join me in
representing the interests of the borough of
Fogmoor. I have fulfilled my trust to the best
of my ability. Can you, sir, lay your hand
upon your heart, and say the same?"

Sir Tomahawk was very impressive. Mr.
Snarlington muttered that he was not in the
habit of laying his hand upon his heart. He
had not been in the house long enough to
learn the trick.

"No, sir," continued Sir Tomahawk, in an
oratorical manner, "you cannot. You know,
sir, that during all that time, Fogmoor has
exhibited in the national legislature, the
undignified spectacle of a borough stultified
by the opposing principles of its own
members. It has paired off with itself; and, for
all practical purposes, it might as well be
blotted out of the map of—of—"

Before Sir Tomahawk could find the exact
phrase he was in search of, Mr. Snarlington
interrupted by saying, that "he thought it
might."

"Then, sir," continued Sir Tomahawk,
with more swelling dignity than ever, and
striking at once at the point which he was
working up to, "with sentiments like these
it is the duty—the bounden duty—of a man
to resign. The greatest constitutional
authorities——"

"You need say no more," again interrupted
Mr. Snarlington, "I intend to resign."

The effect of these words upon Sir Tomahawk,
was electrical. He had not expected
to tame the factious Mr. Snarlington so
rapidly. However, he went straight to his
masters, the ministry, to report with pride,
his victory over the factious and
impracticable member. Sir Tomahawk made
certain arrangements with the Woolsack Club
with regard to the new election for Fogmoor ;
and Mr. Snarlington went first to Messrs.
Alabaster and Ermine, and then down to
Fogmoor, to make his arrangements also.

Fogmoor had, like many other country
towns, its full share of paupers, and its full share
of criminals. Amongst the latter class was a
rough, grizzly vagabond, who was hustled about
from door to door, from gaol to workhouse,
and from workhouse to gaol; who was sometimes
hungry and wretched, sometimes drunk
and noisy; who was not without a certain
rude power of intellect, and a certain dogged
firmness of character. He stood by himself
in the town, without a friend, or a relation ;
and, as all traces of his original name was
lost, he was known as Bill Manacles. He
was classed amongst the criminal population
of Fogmoor, because he had been in gaol,
though for what crime was not very clear to
the impartial examiner. Fogmoor justice,
like a good many other things, was administered
in a very loose and one-sided manner.
It could scarcely be otherwise, while Sir
Tomahawk Sternhold was the most active
and influential of the local magistrates.

Bill Manacles had formerly been in the
service of the great Sir Tomahawk, at very
low wages and with very heavy work, as a
general labourer. It was not complained
that he neglected his duties, nor that he was
found out in any dishonesty while at Sternhold
Grange; but he called his mistress
Mum, instead of My lady; he did not touch