In these circumstances an assembly of the entire nation was convened to consider the matter. As this convention embraced the women (except, of course, the queen elect), it included the babies, and as most of these were self-assertive and well-developed in chest and throat, it was found necessary to relegate them and the women to an outer circle, while the men in an inner circle tackled the problem.
The widow Lynch, being quite irrepressible except by physical force, and even by that with difficulty, was admitted on sufferance to the inner circle, and took part in the discussions.
Like most large assemblies, this one was found so unmanageable, that, after an hour or two of hopeless wrangling, Buxley the tailor started up with dishevelled hair and glaring eyeballs, and uttered a yell that produced a momentary silence. Seizing the moment, he said—
“I moves that we apint a committee to inquire into the whole matter an’ report.”
“Hear, hear, and well said!” shouted a multitude of voices.
“An’ I moves,” cried Mrs Lynch, starting forward with both arms up and all her fingers rampant, “that—”
“No, no, mother,” interrupted Buxley, “you must second the motion.”
“Howld yer tongue, ye dirty spalpeen! Isn’t it the second motion that I’m puttin’? I moves that the committee is Mr Dumnik Rig Gundy an’ Dr Marsh—”
“An’ Mister Nobbs,” shouted a voice.
“An’ Mister Joe Binney,” said another.