General Belch closed the door and returned to the drawing-room.  Abel Newt was sitting with one leg over the back of the chair, and a tumbler of brandy before him, smoking.

“God!” said Abel, laughing, as the General returned, “I wouldn’t treat a dog as you do that man.”

“My dear Mr. Representative,” returned Belch, “you, as a legislator and public man, ought to know that Order is Heaven’s first law.”

CHAPTER LXVI.

MENTOR AND TELEMACHUS.

Drawing his chair near to Abel’s, General Belch lighted a cigar, and said: 

“You see it’s not so very hard.”

Abel looked inquiringly.

“To go to Congress,” answered Belch.

“Yes, but I’m not elected yet, thank you.”

General Arcularius Belch blew a long, slow cloud, and gazed at his companion with a kind of fond superiority.

“What do you mean by looking so?” asked Abel.

“My dear Newt, I was not aware that you had such a soft spot.  No, positively, I did not know that you had so much to learn.  It is inconceivable.”

The General smiled, and smoked, and looked blandly at his companion.

“You’re not elected yet, hey?” asked the General, with an amused laugh.

“Not that I am aware of,” said Abel.

“Why, my dear fellow, who on earth do you suppose does the electing?”

“I thought the people were the source of power,” replied Abel, gravely.

The General looked for a moment doubtfully at his companion.

“Hallo!  I see you’re gumming.  However, there’s one thing.  You know you’ll have to speak after the election.  Did you ever speak?”

“Not since school,” replied Abel.

“Well, you know the cue.  I gave it to you to-night.  The next thing is, how strong can you come down?”

“You know I’ve failed.”

“Of course you have.  That’s the reason the boys will expect you to be very liberal.”

“How much?” inquired Abel.

“Let me see.  There’ll be the printing, halls, lights, ballots, advertisements—­Well, I should say a thousand dollars, and a thousand more for extras.  Say two thousand for the election, and a thousand for the committee.”

“Devil! that’s rather strong!” replied Abel.

“Not at all,” said General Belch.  “Your going to Washington secures the grant, and the grant nets you at least three thousand dollars upon every share.  It’s a good thing, and very liberal at that price.  By-the-by, don’t forget that you’re a party man of another sort.  You do the dancing business, and flirting—­”

“Pish!” cried Abel; “milk for babes!”

“Exactly.  And you’re going to a place that swarms with babes.  So give ’em milk.  Work the men through their wives, and mistresses, and daughters.  It isn’t much understood yet; but it is a great idea.”

“Why don’t you go to Congress?” asked Abel, suddenly.