Grandpa’s voice was like ripples going out on a lake. ‘I’m not trying to tell you folk what to do. I know you’ll make your own decisions. But I’m encouraging you to think carefully. I’ve seen my fair share of forest fights, and I know how fast things can turn bad. As I’ve already said, I reckon you’ll end up in front if you’re accommodating on this one. You show them you’re flexible, and next time you’ll have more bargaining power. Two small reserves around two trees—that’s all they’re asking for. If you fight this, you’ll end up with no support from the rest of the community. I’m talking Hobart and the rest of Tasmania. You’ll seem like bad sports.’ He raised a gnarled hand and waved. ‘Thanks for listening.’

He passed the microphone back to Robbo, then grasped the younger man’s hand, forcing a handshake. Robbo looked as if he didn’t quite know what to do. He mumbled something into the mic about everyone taking some time to think things over and talk it through before they reconvened in ten minutes. Then, almost bashfully, he helped Shane set Grandpa back on the ground.

Leon was impressed. Grandpa had earned the crowd’s respect—and, in doing so, he had constructed a bridge between Leon and the town. He had achieved this in a hostile climate: quite a feat!

Leon leaned close to whisper in the old man’s ear. ‘Thanks, Grandpa. You were a champion. And you didn’t even let on your real opinions. Lucky you didn’t get started on what you think of their machines, or tell them you’ve turned conservationist.’

‘That’s the art of persuasion, lad,’ Grandpa murmured. ‘You have to learn what to hold back.’

‘I didn’t know you were so good at public speaking.’

Grandpa winked. ‘There’s a lot you don’t know about me. But we’ve got plenty of time for talking. You won’t be moving away any time soon?’

‘Not a chance.’

Grandpa gripped Leon’s arm. ‘It’s been good having you around, lad. You’ve given me life.’ He turned to the others, eyes sparkling as he shook hands with Shane and then Max.

‘Can’t say I agree with everything you said,’ Shane declared, ‘but you do have a point.’

‘Call it experience,’ Grandpa said. ‘You fellers need to choose your battles. Otherwise the whole world’s against you.’

Robbo was listening too. ‘I suppose you’ve seen a few changes over the years.’

‘More than a few. I can sure tell you some stories. Maybe I will sometime. Do you blokes drink beer?’

Shane laughed. ‘Is the Pope a Catholic?’

Grandpa straightened his tie and tilted his head at Leon. ‘We’d better go now, and let these folks get on with their vote. We don’t need to be here for that.’