It was said that the Shriek-el-Foozlum, the religious head of the tribe, had torn off his suspenders and sent them to Mecca.
That same day the _Illustrated London News_ published a drawing "Wazoo Warriors Crossing a River and Shouting, Ho!" and the general consternation reached its height.
Meantime, for Sir John and his colleagues, the question of the hour became, "Could the Cabinet be held together ?" Every effort was made.

The news that the Cabinet had all been seen together at the circus, for a moment reassured the nation.

But the rumour spread that the First Lord of the Admiralty had said that the clowns were a bum lot.

The Radical Press claimed that if he thought so he ought to resign.
On the fatal Friday the question already referred to was scheduled for its answer.

The friends of the Government counted on the answer to restore confidence.