few of your stamp in Parliament," continued the orator. "So,
whenever you pass the word, we will be up to put you into Parliament.
Meanwhile, here is your good health, Quirk, and we are glad to have you
with us."

Men, women, and children shouted themselves hoarse as Cairns sat down,
and Denis Quirk rose to his feet.

"Not yet, Cairns," he said. "I don't intend to leave the 'Mercury' just
now, when I am realising all she is to me. The sound of her heart, as
she turns out the news of the world, is music to me. I love to sit at
work with my coat off and sleeves rolled up, preparing a daily
stimulant for Grey Town. But when Grey Town is braced up, if you still
need a man who will make your interests his, and battle for you in
Parliament, just call on me. I am glad to be with you again. There is
not one man in the office that is not dear to me--I love even his wife
and children. Dr. Marsh and I have been consulting as to the future
management of the paper, turning over, at the same time, the great
social problem. Now, we offer you a partnership in the profits of the
paper. Dr. Marsh and I will take one-third of the sum, and divide
two-thirds between you, on a graduated scale, to be decided in
conference. Mr. Cairns will, of course, receive the largest share, and
from him, down to the printers' devil, you will all be partners. How
does that suit you?"

A shout of applause showed that his proposal was satisfactory to the
whole staff.

"Then an agreement shall be drawn up between us, but we rely upon you
all to work hard and prove your appreciation of the offer. This scheme
is an attempt to find a solution to the labour problem. You all realise
that fact? Dr. Marsh and I have purchased the machinery; we have
initiated the enterprise, and we are not prepared to divide our property
among you; we are merely trying to pay you on an equitable basis. This
is to be a partnership of profits, not of the stock. I wish you all to
understand that. I now ask you, if you approve, to hold up your hands."

Every man, woman, and child signified their acceptance.

"Thank you. I hope it will prove a success, and that we shall never
regret our new departure. I have only a few more words to say to you at
present. Mr. Cairns tells me that you are loyal, every one of you. That
is what I ask of you--loyalty to your own interests. Put your best work
into the paper, and remember that the 'Mercury' is the production of
every member of the staff.