But his friends had all opposed the idea as cowardly, and he had given in to them.

He now took his defeat very placidly, and even joined in the laughter which greeted Mr Isaac's call.
"Now, Mr Pilbury!" Mr Pilbury was "off his speech." If he had been allowed to proceed when he first rose, he had the steam up and could have let out, as he told his friends; but now the spirit had been taken out of him.
However, he was compelled to make an effort, and began as before, "Sir, it is time the Welchers had a word." He didn't mean anything funny, he was certain, but everybody laughed.
"Why shouldn't old Cusack here--" ("Order, order")--"What's the row ?" Isaacs informed the hon.

gentleman that members of that House were always called "Mr" "Mr Cusack, then," said Pilbury, "it's just a dodge of Ikey to floor me in my speech.

Why shouldn't old Mr Cusack-- Eh, what say ?" This was addressed to Philpot, who was eagerly trying to prompt his ally.
"Go it, let out at them," he whispered.
"Why shouldn't old Mr Cusack go it and let out--that is--all right, Philpot, you pig, I'll pay you out, see if I don't.

Why shouldn't old Mr Cusack, gentlemen--er--" "Do," suggested Cusack himself.
"Do," shouted Pilbury, "do, gentlemen--do?
Why shouldn't--( all right, Gus Telson, I see you chucking darts)--why shouldn't old Mr Cusack--" "Does any gentleman second the amendment ?" asked Mr Isaacs, evidently getting hungry and anxious to be released from his post.
"Yes," shouted Philpot, "Mr Gentlemen, yes, I do--and--" "Wait a bit, you howling cad," exclaimed Pilbury, in excitement.