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an assured prospect of success.

The conspirators were sanguine as to obtaining Rolph's cooeperation, for,
unlike Bidwell, he had not repudiated the position of a member of the
convention, which had been thrust upon him by the meeting at Doel's
brewery in July. Bidwell, immediately upon becoming acquainted with what
had been done, had notified the secretary that he had withdrawn from
political life, and that he could have nothing to do with the proposed
convention. Rolph also had at first felt disposed to decline the
appointment, but he had taken time to consider, and had talked the
matter over with Dr. Baldwin, who had strongly counselled him to accept.
I can find no documentary evidence of either acceptance or rejection on
his part, but he seems to have been favourable to the holding of the
convention, which he doubtless regarded as a possible means of
consolidating the Reform party, and of rendering its opposition to the
Government more effective. It was agreed that for the present nothing
should be said to him about the contemplated subversion of the
Government by force. The boldest features of the scheme were intended to
be kept secret from nearly everyone until the time for action should be
near at hand, but no oath of secrecy was imposed, and, in spite of all
resolutions, more or less accurate hints of what was in contemplation
were conveyed to hundreds of Radicals throughout the Home District and
elsewhere.

As the autumn advanced, the conspirators proceeded to prepare their
adherents for the impressive display of the ensuing spring. It was
evident that even a very numerously-attended demonstration would not
impress the Government unless those taking part in it carried about with
them a suggestion of strength. In order to be strong they must have
arms, and they must furthermore know how to use them should the
necessity arise. A system of secret training and drill was accordingly
organized throughout the townships. People met after nightfall in the
corners of quiet fields, in the shadow of the woods, and in other
sequestered places, and there received such instruction in military
drill and movements as was possible under the circumstances. Old
muskets, pistols and cutlasses were furbished up after long disuse, and
pressed into service once more. Small quantities of rifles and
ammunition were surreptitiously obtained from the United States.
Disaffected blacksmiths in the rural districts devoted themselves to t