But not the less on this account does a poor man find that he is quite unable to overcome the difficulties of a contested election.
We strain at our gnats with a vengeance, but we swallow our camels with ease.

For what purpose is it that we employ those peculiarly safe men of business--Messrs Nearthewinde and Closerstil--when we wish to win our path through all obstacles into that sacred recess, if all be so open, all so easy, all so much above board?
Alas! the money is still necessary, is still prepared, or at any rate expended.
The poor candidate of course knows nothing of the matter till the attorney's bill is laid before him, when all danger of petitions has passed away.

He little dreamed till then, not he, that there had been banquetings and junketings, secret doings and deep drinkings at his expense.

Poor candidate! Poor member! Who was so ignorant as he! 'Tis true he has paid such bills before; but 'tis equally true that he specially begged his managing friend, Mr Nearthewinde, to be very careful that all was done according to law! He pays the bill, however, and on the next election will again employ Mr Nearthewinde.
Now and again, at rare intervals, some glimpse into the inner sanctuary does reach the eyes of ordinary mortal men without; some slight accidental peep into those mysteries from whence all corruption has been so thoroughly expelled; and then, how delightfully refreshing is the sight, when, perhaps, some ex-member, hurled from his paradise like a fallen peri, reveals the secret of that pure heaven, and, in the agony of his despair, tells us all that it cost him to sit for -- -- through those few halcyon years! But Mr Nearthewinde is a safe man, and easy to be employed with but little danger.

All these stringent bribery laws only enhance the value of such very safe men as Mr Nearthewinde.