'Disloyal to whom? to the Queen?'
'No, to a greater power than the Queen—to the People, as is represented by the Australian Shearers' Union.'
'Very good; keep that for your next speech. You'll find out something about the powers of Her Majesty the Queen before long.'
'Do you not think, Mr. Biddulph,' said the Judge, with much politeness, 'that you have tested this part of the cross-examination sufficiently?'
'It was necessary to prove malice, your Honour; but I will proceed to the witness's acts and deeds, which are more important. Now, Mr. Delegate, answer these few questions straightforwardly.'
'I am on my oath, Mr. Lawyer.'
'I am aware of that; I don't attach much importance to the obligation, I am sorry to say. Did you not say to the President of the Shearers' Committee, during the riot, which might have ended in murder, and did end in arson—"Send a couple of men with Bill Hardwick and put him in the front with a rifle"?'
'Nothing of the sort.'
'If it is sworn by a respectable witness that he heard you, will you still deny it?'
'Certainly I will.'