"Bad liquor is at the root of half the drunkenness I know.

I don't suppose there are many publicans here to-night, for this meeting isn't quite in their line; and if there are, they can't have come expecting compliments.

But if you fellows think you get good liquor at the publics round here, I tell you you are jolly well mistaken." "Hear! hear!" shouted several voices.
"I've been in the course of the last week to most of the public-houses in Southminster and Westhope and Warpington to see what sort of stuff they sold, and upon my soul, gentlemen, if I settled in Warpington I'd, I'd"-- Dick hesitated for a simile strong enough--"I'd turn teetotaler until I left it again, rather than swallow the snake poison they serve out to you." There was a general laugh, in the midst of which Mr.Gresley, whose complexion had deepened, sprang to his feet and endeavored to attract Dick's attention, but Dick saw nothing but his audience.

Mr.Gresley began to speak in his high, "singsong" voice.
"My young friend," he said, "has mistaken the object of this meeting.

In short I must--" "Not a bit," said Dick--"not a bit; but if the people have had enough of me I'll take your chair while you have another innings." In a moment the room was in an uproar.
Shouts of "No, no," "Go on," "Let him speak." In the tumult Mr.Gresley's voice, instead of being the solo, became but as one instrument--albeit a trombone--in an orchestra.
"But I thoroughly agree with the gentlemen who spoke before me," said Dick, when peace was restored.