'I am sure I shall not,' said the secretary in the same mild tone, and
with the same emphasis. 'We shall have, we think, about next month, or
May, when this Papist relief bill comes before the house, to convene our
whole body for the first time. My lord has thoughts of our walking
in procession through the streets--just as an innocent display of
strength--and accompanying our petition down to the door of the House of
Commons.'
'The sooner the better,' said Dennis, with another oath.
'We shall have to draw up in divisions, our numbers being so large; and,
I believe I may venture to say,' resumed Gashford, affecting not to
hear the interruption, 'though I have no direct instructions to that
effect--that Lord George has thought of you as an excellent leader for
one of these parties. I have no doubt you would be an admirable one.'
'Try me,' said the fellow, with an ugly wink.
'You would be cool, I know,' pursued the secretary, still smiling, and
still managing his eyes so that he could watch him closely, and really
not be seen in turn, 'obedient to orders, and perfectly temperate. You
would lead your party into no danger, I am certain.'
'I'd lead them, Muster Gashford,'--the hangman was beginning in a
reckless way, when Gashford started forward, laid his finger on his
lips, and feigned to write, just as the door was opened by John Grueby.
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