"I shall follow your judgment implicitly," replied Mr. Coxon, with touching fidelity.
"I feel bound to state," said Mr. Puttock, "and I believe I speak for my friend Jewell also" (Mr. Jewell nodded), "that with us priority for Temperance legislation and a cautious policy in imposing hampering restrictions on commercial undertakings are of vital moment. We cannot agree to give way on either point."
"And you, Norburn?" asked Medland, turning to his devoted follower, and smiling a kindly smile.
Norburn was about to speak, when Puttock broke in,
"It is best that the Premier should understand our position; what we have stated is absolutely essential to our continuance in the Government."
Mr. Medland thought that the function of a follower was to follow, and of a leader to lead. He always found it difficult to put up with opposition, and patience was not among whatever qualities of statesmanship he possessed.
Drumming gently on the table, he said,
"Oh, no Temperance this session. We'll give 'em a Labour session." He paused, and added, "And give it 'em hot and strong."
So that evening Puttock and Jewell resigned, and the Cabinet, meeting the House shorn and maimed, was established in power by the magnificent majority of ten.