most unpopular man in the village. He tried to get on the District Council, but was defeated by a demagogue who is great on the gab, and Sneerly, who has ten times his brains and knowledge, received hardly a score of votes."
"Why is Sneerly so disliked?"
"Oh, he's an outspoken ruffian. He was born disagreeable, yet I believe him to be an honest, good-hearted man, although I've never had any very civil words from him. I've always given him whatever of my law business there was to do. I like to keep clear of the law."
"So do I," said Stranleigh. "I'm a peacemaker, and believe in the soft answer. Now, gentlemen, I'm stopping at the Stranleigh Arms. I want you to lunch with me."
"Oh, we're just going home, and dinner will be ready when we get there."
"Never mind that. You're lunching with me.
Lord Stranleigh was thoroughly enjoying himself, in spite of the fact that his mission to Muddlebury had been such a complete fiasco. The two farmers proved to be big-hearted, bright-natured men, so extremely partisan that Stranleigh felt as though he were leading a forlorn hope. Indeed, as the three walked together up the High Street of the little town, Muddlebury was rapidly dividing itself into two factions, and very early in the game it
