A mirthful spirit pervaded the room and the usual order was wanting.

The lad speaking appeared to be an object of criticism and amusement rather than of respect but he went on talking in a schoolboy fashion of "the rights of the people." He was in a West Riding evening-suit, he had a flower in his coat, and a pair of white gloves in his hand.
"Rich people all hev their rights," he said, "but a poor lad like me can't spend his hard-earned wage without heving to pay this and that sixpenny claim--" "For board and lodging, Sam," cried a pretty girl impatient for the talking to cease, and the dance to begin.
"Silence!" a voice called authoritatively and the lecturer stopped and looked round.

Then a big dark man pushed his way through the tittering crowd of girls and reaching the platform, stretched out his hand and grasping one of its supports, leaped lightly to it.

The feat was not an easy one and it was boldly and gracefully done; a hearty cheer greeted its success.

Even John joined in it and then he looked at the man and though there was a slight change in appearance, knew him.