Pullwool

A certain fallen angel (politeness toward his numerous and influential friends forbids me to mention his name abruptly) lately entered into the body of Mr. Ananias Pullwool, of Washington, D.C. As the said body was a capacious one, having been greatly enlarged circumferentially since it acquired its full longitude, there was accommodation in it for both the soul of Pullwool himself (it was a very little one) and for his distinguished visitant.

Stories by American Authors (Volume 4) Nathaniel Parker Willis 1875

"I must run about a bit," muttered Pullwool, confidentially.

Stories by American Authors (Volume 4) Nathaniel Parker Willis 1875

Pullwool hardly knew, if he even so much as mistrusted, that there was

Stories by American Authors (Volume 4) Nathaniel Parker Willis 1875

"Gentlemen, one moment," pleaded Pullwool, passing his greasy smile around the company, as though it were some kind of refreshment.

Stories by American Authors (Volume 4) Nathaniel Parker Willis 1875

"Oh, certainly, if you are ready," smiled Pullwool, with the air of a man who has something coming to him.

Stories by American Authors (Volume 4) Nathaniel Parker Willis 1875

He had been a lobbyist, and he remained a lobbyist still, but such a different one, so much more vigorous, eager, clever, and impudent, that his best friends (if he could be said to have any friends) scarcely knew him for the same Pullwool.

Stories by American Authors (Volume 4) Nathaniel Parker Willis 1875

"What do you mean?" stared Pullwool, apparently in the extremity of amazement.

Stories by American Authors (Volume 4) Nathaniel Parker Willis 1875

"By the way, this is between ourselves," added Pullwool.

Stories by American Authors (Volume 4) Nathaniel Parker Willis 1875

To the lobbyists and members Pullwool was munificent; it seemed as if those gentlemen could not be paid enough for their "influence;" as if they alone had that kind of time which is money.

Stories by American Authors (Volume 4) Nathaniel Parker Willis 1875

But other people must have been aware of this double tenantry, or at least must have been shrewdly suspicious of it, for it soon became quite common to hear fellows say, "Pullwool has got the Devil in him."

Stories by American Authors (Volume 4) Nathaniel Parker Willis 1875