Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/133

 because the Government itself had the choice of the constituencies contested, and naturally selected those supposed to be most favourable to the cause it represented.

On the first day Stranleigh shook off his doctor; on the second he made certain financial arrangements; on the third, carrying a small handbag which he never allowed out of his possession, he entered his most powerful motor-car. With his favourite chauffeur in front, and Blake beside him in the back seat, he made for a manufacturing town in the north, where a prominent and plain-spoken member of the Cabinet was to hold forth that night on the political situation, in the largest hall the manufacturing town contained.

In the district surrounding this hall the streets were packed, and there was much difficulty in making progress with the automobile. In addition, the crowd was palpably in an ugly temper. Getting as near as possible to the stage entrance of the building, Stranleigh and Blake left the car, the former carrying his small handbag. At the door they were stopped, but the doorkeepers accepted Stranleigh's card, and sent it in to the committee-room. It was promptly brought back by someone evidently in authority.