It could not fairly be said that the country had been tested, and we were not, at the time, aware how far people at a distance were prepared to second our efforts.

The strength of the Government, too, seemed paralysed.

For miles on miles around, one solitary soldier or policeman was not to be found.

The small garrisons had been withdrawn, and all the available forces stationed in the county had been concentrated in the large towns.

The idea of maintaining our position for a few weeks seemed not at all improbable; and, meantime, we would have an opportunity of organising the distant parts of the country, and of preparing those then around us for active service.