Viewing the scene of battle strategically, Tanner struck on an idea which was certainly original.

Accounts differ as to whether he was the possessor of one hat or several; but tradition would suggest that he had more than one.

It is certain, however, that he did take off his coat and waistcoat; and stretching these across the unclaimed land of seats, did thereby signify to all mankind that the seats thus decorated were his.

But the novel form of appropriation--it suggests a wrinkle to prospectors in mining countries--was held to be illegal; and the poor doctor had to content himself with using the hat, or hats, as a means of securing seats.
[Sidenote: Colonel Saunderson.] Colonel Saunderson--another of the Orange army of fire-eaters--was early at the trysting-place; and this brought about one of the curiosities of the sitting.

On the first seat below the gangway sat Dr.Tanner; on the very next seat, as close to him as one sardine to another in a box, sat Colonel Saunderson.