In this grand country of ours, where progress is the
watchword, effete standards and dogging traditions must go by the board.
Grit is of more use to us than gentility. Each single bricklayer who
unships serves the colony better than a score of gentlemen."
"In that I am absolutely not at one with you, Mr. Turnham," said Mahony
coldly. He had sat down again, feeling rather ashamed of his violence.
"Without a leaven of refinement, the very raw material of which the
existing population is composed--"
But Turnham interrupted him. "Give 'em time, sir, give 'em time. God
bless my soul! Rome wasn't built in a day. But to resume. I have
repeatedly had occasion to remark in what small stead the training that
fits a man for a career in the old country stands him here. And that is
why I am dissatisfied with your reply. Show me your muscles, sir, give
me a clean bill of health, tell me if you have learnt a trade and can
pay your way. See, I will be frank with you. The position I occupy to-day
I owe entirely to my own efforts. I landed in the colony ten years
ago, when this marvellous city of ours was little more than a village
settlement. I had but five pounds in my pocket. To-day I am a partner in
my firm, and intend, if all goes well, to enter parliament. Hence I
think I may, without presumption, judge what makes for success here, and
of the type of man to attain it. Work, hard work, is the key to all
doors. So convinced am I of this, that I have insisted on the younger
members of my family learning betimes to put their shoulders to the
wheel.
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