midnight
answered the chorus . `` I propose the health of the Honorable Abel Newt , whom I cordially welcome as a colleague , '' said Mr. Ele . Bumpers were drained . It was past midnight , and the gentlemen rose . They came to Abel and shook his hand ; then they swarmed into the hall and put on their hats and coats . `` Stay , Newt , '' whispered Belch , and Abel lingered . The Honorable B.J. Ele also lingered , as if he would like to be the last out of the house ; for although this distinguished statesman did not care to do otherwise than as General Belch commanded , he was anxious to be the General 's chief butler , while the remark about riding on his companions ' shoulders and the personal impression Abel had made upon him , had seriously alarmed him .