It was the beginning of a mutual trust; so for peroration I told them that I had come to the conclusion that what they wanted most for their own protection and the security and consolidation of their nation was arms--arms of the very latest pattern.
Here they interrupted me with wild cheers, which so strung me up that I went farther than I intended, and made a daring venture.

"Ay," I repeated, "the security and consolidation of your country--of _our_ country, for I have come to live amongst you.

Here is my home whilst I live.

I am with you heart and soul.

I shall live with you, fight shoulder to shoulder with you, and, if need be, shall die with you!" Here the shouting was terrific, and the younger men raised their guns to fire a salute in Blue Mountain fashion.