“I think it has made Queensland as progressive as it is, too,” remarked Geisner.  “It was a common danger for all the working classes, and from what I hear has given them unity of feeling earlier than that has been acquired in the south.”

“Some of the old-fashioned union ideas that they have in Sydney want knocking badly,” remarked Arty, smoking cheerfully.

“They’ll be knocked safely enough if they want knocking,” said Geisner.  “There are failings in all organisation methods everywhere as well as in Sydney.  New Unionism is only the Old Unionism reformed up to date.  It’ll need reforming itself as soon as it has done its work.”

“Is the New Unionism really making its way in England, Geisner?” asked Stratton.

“I think so.  A very intelligent man is working with two or three others to organise the London dock laborers on the new lines.  He told me he was confident of success but didn’t seem to realise all it meant.  If those men can be organised and held together for a rise in wages it’ll be the greatest strike that the world has seen yet.  It will make New Unionism.”

“Do you think it possible?” asked Ford.  “I know a little about the London dockers.  They are the drift of the English labour world.  When a man is hopeless he goes to look for work at the docks.”

“There is a chance if the move is made big enough to attract attention and if everything is prepared beforehand.  If money can be found to keep a hundred thousand penniless men out while public opinion is forming they can win, I think.  Even British public opinion can’t yet defend fourpence an hour for casual work.”

“Men will never think much until they are organised in some form or other,” said Stratton.  “Such a big move in London would boom the organisation of unskilled men everywhere.”

“More plots!” cried Connie, coming back, followed by Nellie, waterproofed and hatted.

“It’s raining,” she went on, to Ned, “so I’ll give you Harry’s umbrella and let Ford take his waterproof.  You’ll have a damp row, Nellie.  I suppose you know you’ve got to go across in George’s boat, Ned.”

Ned didn’t know, but just then George’s “Ahoy!” sounded from outside.

“We mustn’t keep him waiting in the wet,” exclaimed Nellie.  She shook hands with them all, kissing Mrs. Stratton affectionately.  Ned felt as he shook hands all round that he was leaving old friends.

“Come again,” said Stratton, warmly.  “We shall always be glad to see you.”

“Indeed we shall,” urged Connie.  “Don’t wait to come with Nellie.  Come and see us any time you’re in Sydney.  Day or night, come and see if we’re in and wait here if we’re not.”

Geisner and Stratton put on their hats and went with them down the verandah stops to the little stone quay below.  Josie was standing there, in the drizzle, wrapped in a cloak and holding a lantern.  In a rowing skiff, alongside, was George; another lantern was set on one of the seats.