WYLDER'S HAjXD. 277 tells me that Captain Stanley Lake is thinking of standing either for the county or for Dollington. I will thank you to apprise him that I mean to take my choice first; and please hand him the enclosed notice open as you get it; and, if you please, to let him run his eye also over a note to you, as I have my own reasons for wishing him to know that you have seen it. "This is all I will probably trouble you about elections for some months to come, or, at least, weeks. It being time enough when I go back, and no squalls a-head just now at home, though foreign politics looks muggy enough. "I have nothing particular at present about tenants or timber, except the three acres of oak behind Farmer Tan- by's — have it took down. Thomas Jones and me went over it Last September, and it ought to bring near 3,000£ I must have a good handful of money by May next. "Yours, my dear Larkin, "Very truly, "Mark Wylder." Folded in this was a thin slip of foreign paper, on which were traced these lines : — "Private. "Dear Larkin, — Don't funk the interview with the beast, Lake— a hyaena has no pluck in him. When he reads what I send him by your hand, he'll be as mild as you please. Parkes must act for me as usual — no blus- ter about giving up. Lake's afraid of yours, "M. W." Within was what he called his "notice" to Stanley Lake, and it was thus conceived : — "Private. "Dear Lake — I understand you are trying to make