(Cheers.) The toast was received with several rounds of cheering.
The Commandant rose in explanation, and said he never for a moment meant to infer that in the midst of his greatest difficulties Mr.Forrest ever thought of giving up his task.

What he said was that he must have often, in lying down his head after a wearisome day's journey, wished himself at home in Perth all well, with his enterprise accomplished, but not otherwise (cheers).

He did not believe that Mr.Forrest ever winced at danger, ever swerved from the path he had laid out for himself to traverse.
Mr.John Forrest, on rising, was received with applause, which rose to ringing cheers.

Upon the subsiding of the applause, Mr.Forrest said, "Mr.Chairman and gentlemen, I feel that I ought to say a great deal on this occasion, but I really hardly know what to say.

I can, of course, say that I sincerely thank you for your kindness in inviting myself and companions to this great banquet, and when I say that, I trust you will give me credit for saying what I feel in my heart of hearts.