It needed another five years of Liberal activity throughout the borough to awaken the good people whose influence had seemed unassailable, and to set them uttering sleepy snorts of indignation But the _Mercury_ had a new editor, a man who was determined to gain journalistic credit by making a good fight in a desperate cause.

Mr.Mumbray, who held the post of Mayor, had at length learnt that even in municipal matters the old order was threatened; on the Town Council were several men who gave a great deal of trouble, and who openly boasted that in a very short time all the affairs of the town would be managed by members of the Progressive party.

If so, farewell public morality! farewell religion! The reading-room of the Literary Institute heard many an animated conversation among the zealous partisans who hoped great things from the approaching contest.

The talkers were not men of recognized standing, the manufacturers and landowners whose influence was of most importance--for these personages were seldom seen at the Institute; but certain "small" people, fidgety, or effervescent, or enthusiastic, eager to hear their own voices raised in declamation, and to get spoken of in the town as representatives of public opinion.

Such a group had gathered early one afternoon in this month of October.