Do you know a gentleman of the name of Perker?' inquired Mr

Pickwick.

Certainly, Sir; Honourable Mr Samuel Slumkey's agent.'

He is Blue, I think?'

Oh, yes, Sir.'

Then WE are Blue,' said Mr Pickwick; but observing that the man

looked rather doubtful at this accommodating announcement, he gave

him his card, and desired him to present it to Mr Perker forthwith, if

he should happen to be in the house. The waiter retired; and

reappearing almost immediately with a request that Mr Pickwick

would follow him, led the way to a large room on the first floor, where,

seated at a long table covered with books and papers, was Mr Perker.

'Ah - ah, my dear Sir,' said the little man, advancing to meet him; 'very

happy to see you, my dear Sir, very. Pray sit down. So you have

carried your intention into effect. You have come down here to see an

election - eh?' Mr Pickwick replied in the affirmative.

'Spirited contest, my dear sir,' said the little man.

I'm delighted to hear it,' said Mr Pickwick, rubbing his hands. 'I like

to see sturdy patriotism, on whatever side it is called forth - and so it's

a spirited contest?'

Oh, yes,' said the little man, 'very much so indeed. We have opened

all the public-houses in the place, and left our adversary nothing but

the beer-shops-masterly stroke of policy that, my dear Sir, eh?' The

little man smiled complacently, and took a large pinch of snuff.

'And what are the probabilities as to the result of the contest?'

inquired Mr Pickwick.

Why, doubtful, my dear Sir; rather doubtful as yet,' replied the little

man. 'Fizkin's people have got three-and-thirty voters in the lock-up

coach-house at the White Hart.'

'In the coach-house!' said Mr Pickwick, considerably astonished by

this second stroke of policy.

They keep 'em locked up there till they want 'em,' resumed the little

man. 'The effect of that is, you see, to prevent our getting at them; and

even if we could, it would be of no use, for they keep them very drunk

on purpose. Smart fellow Fizkin's agent - very smart fellow indeed.'

The Pickwick Papers