It is enough for me, in this glorious country, to be a friend of the people." As he said this--or only implied it in saying something else--the broken slats, the dirty windows, the uncarpeted floor, the universal untidiness, whispered in the mind of the hearer, "Amen!" His residence, however, somewhat atoned for the discomfort of his office.
Not unfrequently he entertained his friends sumptuously; and whenever any of the representatives of his party, who acted in Congress as his private agents, had succeeded--as on one occasion, already commemorated, the Hon.
Mr.Ele had--in putting a finer edge upon a favorite axe, General Belch entertained a select circle who agreed with him in his political philosophy, and were particular friends of the people and of the popular institutions of their country.
Abel Newt, in response to the General's note, had already called at that gentleman's office, and had received overtures from him, who offered him Mr.Bodley's seat in Congress, upon condition that he was able to see things from particular points of view.
"Mr.Watkins Bodley, it seems," said General Belch, "and I regret to say it, is in straitened pecuniary circumstances.

I understand he will feel that he owes it to his family to resign before the next session.
There will be a vacancy; and I am glad to say that the party is just now in a happy state of harmony, and that my influence will secure your nomination.

But come up to-night and talk it over.

I have asked Ele and Slugby, and a few others--friends of course--and I hope Mr.Bat will drop in.

You know Aquila Bat ?" "By reputation," replied Abel.
"He is a very quiet man, but very shrewd.