500 strong. That he had this brigade he urgently asserted;
but where it was, that's the rub!
No possible inquiry from Lalor could get at the bottom of Vern's prodigal
brigade. Is, then, the grand secret buried within Vern's splendid chest?
No; I mean to reveal it at four o'clock, Saturday, December 2nd.
Carboni Raffaello, who had heard heaps of cant in old Europe, did count
for nothing the oceanic military knowledge of Vern, in spite of his big
trail-sword, that made more jingling than enough.
I commended, in high terms, the conduct of Lalor during the morning,
and it was my impression that he possessed the confidence of the diggers
and should be their Commander-in-chief.
Thonen seconded the motion. The first 'unnamed,' shewed approbation,
and the appointment was carried by a majority of eleven to one.
Peter Lalor thanked the council for the honour conferred on him,
assured the members that he was determined to prepare the diggers
to resist force by force.
It was perfectly understood, and openly declared, in this first council-of-war,
that we meant to organise for defence, and that we had taken up arms
for no other purpose.
The council adjourned to five o'clock in the evening.
Chapter XXXVII.
Lalor Stump, Bakery-Hill.
Brave LALOR -
Was found 'all there,'
With dauntless dare,
His men inspiring;
To wolf or bear,
Defiance bidding,
He made us swear,
Be faithful to the Standard, )
For Victory or Death!
