RIDING 103 



knocked him out for North Lincoln- 

 shire, and before the *' franchise" was 

 extended. They were a terrible rowdy- 

 lot at the lower end of the room, and 

 demanded his ideas on extending the 

 franchise. Sir John replied, '' I don't 

 mind anybody with any common sense 

 having a vote ; but before I'd vote for 

 a lot of hooting, howling devils like you 



having it, I'd see you all first." 



I thought they would have torn the 

 platform down ; it was grand fun, and 

 as we came out of the place they daubed 

 our coats with tarry sticks, etc., and 

 savoury eggs abounded. 



I rode home in the brougham with 

 Sir John, who lighted his usual big cigar, 

 and as we neared the end of the village 

 half a brick came sailing clean through 

 both window-panes, and just took the 

 ciofar out of his mouth in its course. 



