In his mind the case was docketed not as Thatcher _versus_ Bassett, but as Thatcher and Bassett _versus_ the People.

It all came to that.

And why should not the People--the poor, meek, long-suffering People, the "pee-pul" of familiar derision--sometimes win?
His pride in the state of his birth was strong; his pride in his party was only second to it.

He would serve both if he could.

Not only must Bassett be forever put down, but Thatcher also; and he assured himself that it was not the men he despised, but the wretched, brutal mediaeval system that survived in them.