‘ Certainly.’
‘ And what, Sir,’ said Pott—‘what, Sir, let me ask you as an impartial man, is the state of the public mind in London, with reference to my contest with the Independent ?’
‘ Greatly excited, no doubt,’ interposed Mr. Perker, with a look of slyness which was very likely accidental.
‘ The contest,’ said Pott, ‘shall be prolonged so long as I have health and strength, and that portion of talent with which I am gifted. From that contest, Sir, although it may unsettle men’s minds and excite their feelings, and render them incapable for the discharge of the everyday duties of ordinary life; from that contest, sir, I will never shrink, till I have set my heel upon the Eatanswill Independent . I wish the people of London, and the people of this country to know, sir, t
