And upon this the ministry, not anticipating much salvation from Mr.Supplehouse, but willing, as they usually are, to have the _Jupiter_ at their back, did send for that gentleman, and gave him some footing among them.

But how can a man born to save a nation, and to lead a people, be content to fill the chair of an under-secretary?
Supplehouse was not content, and soon gave it to be understood that his place was much higher than any yet tendered to him.

The seals of high office, or war to the knife, was the alternative which he offered to a much-belaboured Head of Affairs--nothing doubting that the Head of Affairs would recognize the claimant's value, and would have before his eyes a wholesome fear of the _Jupiter_.

But the Head of Affairs, much belaboured as he was, knew that he might pay too high even for Mr.Supplehouse and the _Jupiter_; and the saviour of the nation was told that he might swing his tomahawk.

Since that time he had been swinging his tomahawk, but not with so much effect as had been anticipated.