He mounts the sill of where
was once a window, and gesticulates to the crowd to hear him. An egg is thrown
from behind a tent opposite, and narrowly misses his face, but breaks
on the wall of the house close to him. The Commissioner becomes excited,
and orders the troopers to take the man in charge; but no trooper appears
to relish the business.
A cry of "Fire!" is raised; a horse shies and causes commotion. Smoke is seen
to issue from one of the rooms of the ground-floor. The police extinguish it;
and an attempt is made to form a cordon round the building. But it is
too late. Whilst the front of the hotel occupies the attention of the majority
of the crowd, a few are pulling down the back premises.
Mr. Rede sends for the detachment of the gallant 40th now stationed
on Ballaarat.
A shout is raised: - "The 40th are coming."
"Don't illuminate till they come."
"They shall see the sight."
"Wait till they come."
Smash go the large lamps in front of the hotel. The troopers ride round
and caracole their horses.
"Where's the red-coats?"
"There they come, yonder up the hill!"
"Hurrah! three cheers."
The 40th arrive; they form into line in front of the hotel, swords drawn.
"Hurrah!
