Last November had turned the scale in the Polterham Town Council.

It happened that the retiring members were all Conservatives, with the exception of Mr.Chown, who alone of them obtained re-election, the others giving place to men of the Progressive party.

Mr.Mumbray bade farewell to his greatness.

The new Mayor was a Liberal.

As returning-officer, he would preside over the coming political contest.
The Tories gloomed at each other, and whispered of evil omens.
For many years Mr.Mumbray had looked to the Mayoralty as the limit of his ambition.