Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/132

 seen in peace-loving England since the contest between Heenan and Sayers. They demanded that a stern example should be made of the brawler.

But, of course, everyone knew that no example would be made. The law is very lenient towards election rows. Were it otherwise the Courts would be kept busy for a year following an appeal to the people. Two days after Stranleigh's pugilistic contribution to the conduct of the Empire the writs were issued for the General Election, and all well-wishers of the young nobleman breathed a sigh of deep relief. He was now prohibited by law from taking any part in the approaching struggle.

Yet so democratic was his lordship, and so anxious that the Cause of the People should prevail, that he incurred the risk of a third interference, which shall be but briefly described. After the knock-out blow he had received, and his subsequent release on bail, our amateur politician, under the advice of his doctor, took a rest cure. It was the physician's hope that he would be able to keep Stranleigh in bed during the fortnight that the election lasted. It is always unsafe to prophesy what Demos will do, and the polling of the first three days went decidedly against the Government, giving ominous signs of a landslide; signs the more disquieting