Swindlehurst lecture, he
signed the pledge. That was the unsuspected turning-point of carpenter
John's life.
After this he attended meetings and took an active part on the
platform, and became known as "the boy lecturer". Though he was
dressed in fustian, and wore a workman's apron, he spoke effectively,
and his words went to the hearts of his hearers. His originality of
style, too, pleased the audiences of working people whom he addressed.
In 1836 John Cassell made his first move towards London.
He worked his way to town, and lectured on the road. He carried a
bell, and with that brought together his audiences.
At times he was very roughly handled by the crowd; yet this had no
effect upon him, except to make him the more determined.
His clothes became threadbare, his boots worn out, his general
appearance dilapidated; but he got help from a few good people, who
saw the hero beneath his rags.
He was three weeks accomplishing the journey; and when he arrived
in London spent the first day in search of work, which he failed to
obtain.
In the evening, seeing that a temperance meeting was to be held in a
hall off the Westminster Road, he went to it; and asked to be allowed
to speak.
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