Perthshire in bygone days

JAMES CONDIE. 137
rank of Captain. One morning, the old gentleman waited
on Mr. Condie, primed, loaded, and armed at all points, his
drama complete in every detail. He said, in set terms, "My
son-in-law is very anxious to obtain the Adjutancy of the
Eegiment, which is at present vacant, and I am quite
prepared to pay the money — upwards of £1,000 ; but a
good deal of influence is necessary, besides the payment of
the money." Mr. Condie expressed fears of being able to
aid in forwarding his object, but his client was ready, and
replied, " You are very intimate with Lord Panmure : one
word from him would do it." His Lordship was then
Secretary at "War. Mr. Condie felt a chill come over him
at the proposal, but his courage was not equal to a nega-
tive, and he replied, " I shall write to Lord Panmure, but I
fear it will have no effect." But the plot was laid. " His
lordship is to be at Perth Station, on his way north, at
four o'clock this afternoon; perhaps you would see him,"
quoth the pawkie applicant. Mr. Condie, thus caught,
consented, and in the afternoon walked up to the station.
Lord Panmure arrived, and scarcely had he alighted from
his carriage, when the matter was laid before him. " Oh,
no, James, I cannot do that ! I would do much to oblige
you, but I really cannot do that ; besides, money would, no
doubt, be wanted." " The money is ready," said Mr.
Condie. During this conversation, the military gentleman,
with contemptible taste, presented himself on the platform,
and the quick eye of the practised official at once picked
him up. " That is your military friend, James ? " " Yes,"
was the half-suppressed reply. " I don't like him ; I don't
like him at all," said his lordship, drawing Mr. Condie
towards the refreshment room ; " he is liker Bardolph than
Hercules."
When Mr. Condie returned to his office, he found his
client and the Captain's lady waiting for him. They ex-
pressed much fretful and unmannerly disappointment,
insinuating that the affair had been badly managed.
"Within a few days, an enquiry came to Blackfriars
House, from Lord Panmure's secretary, about Mr. Condie's
military friend — his name, regiment, and rank ; and within
fourteen days the appointment came, and money not so
much as named. Mark the end with horror ! — the next
time Mr. Condie met this military gentleman in George
Street, he declined to acknowledge his patron's salutation !
This is the way influential men have their patronage