The audience turned to him, still thorny and sulky it was true, but yet they turned; and one among them demanded a hearing for the youngster.
"Brother diggers! We are met here to-night with a single purpose in view.

Brother diggers! We are not met here to throw mud at our dear old country's flag! Nor will we have a word said against her most gracious Majesty, the Queen.

Not us! We're men first, whose business it is to stand up for a gallant little woman, and diggers with a grievance afterwards.

Are you with me, boys ?--Very well, then.-- Now we didn't come here to-night to confab about getting votes, or having a hand in public affairs--much as we want 'em both and mean to have 'em, when the time comes.

No, to-night there's only one thing that matters to us, and that's the repeal of the accursed tax!" Here, such a tempest of applause broke out that he was unable to proceed.