There were still two days before the poll at Polterham. Thither he
must return, that was certain; for if the election passed without
startling events, he would again be in a position to catch Quarrier
by the throat.
To be sure, there was the promise of assistance in a commercial
career, but his indulgence of the last day or two had inclined him
to prefer sums of ready money. Once elected, Quarrier would not
submit to social disgrace for the sake of a thousand pounds--nor
for two thousand--possibly not for five. Cupidity had taken hold
upon Northway. With a few thousands in his pocket, he might aim at
something more to his taste than a life of trading. Five thousand it
should be, not a penny less! This time he was not to be fobbed off
with bluster and posturing.
He spent the day in Bristol, and at nightfall journeyed towards
Polterham.
No; even yet nothing had happened. Conversation at an inn to which
he betook himself assured him that things were going their orderly
way. Had Marks himself been _bought off_?
The next day--that before the election--he wandered about the
town and its vicinity, undetermined how to act, thinking on the
whole that he had better do nothing till after the morrow. Twice,
morning and afternoon, did he view Mrs. Wade's cottage from a
distance. Just after sunset he was once more in that neighbourhood,
and this time with a purpose.
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