'He must go from
here; that's the long and short of it,' said Mr Jawstock. 'Put it
to the vote, Mr Jawstock,' said the livery-stable keeper. Mr Topps,
who had had great experience in public meetings, hereupon
expressed an opinion that they might as well go to a vote. No
doubt he was right if the matter was one which must sooner or
later be determined in that manner.
Mr Jawstock looked round the room trying to calculate what might
be the effect of a show of hands. The majority was with him; but
he was well aware that of this majority some few would be drawn
away by the apparent justice of Tifto's proposition. And what was
the use of voting? Let them vote as they might, it was out of the
question that Tifto should remain master of the hunt. But the
chairman had acceded, and on such occasions it is difficult to go
against the chairman.
Then there came a show of hands,--first for those who desired to
refer the matter to Lord Silverbridge, and afterwards for Tifto's
direct enemies,--for those who were anxious to banish Tifto out of
hand, without reference to anyone.
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