“Because I have met a number of Americans here at Ballarat, and I never knew one to do a dishonest action, no matter how hard he strove to make money.  But what makes me feel positive in this case that I shan’t lose my funds, is the honesty expressed in your faces.”

“Pray spare our blushes, Mr. Brown,” Fred said, laughing, “for we have not met with so much praise since we have been in Australia.”

“Then you have been thrown in contact with rogues, who didn’t give honest men their due.  But speak; is my offer accepted?”

“We will consider on it, and let you know how we feel disposed, in the course of the day.  But of one thing rest assured.  We shall not call upon you for money, as we can manage to raise enough of our own to commence business.”

Mr. Inspector Brown looked disappointed, and seemed to think that we had been playing with him.

“We only plead poverty to see if you would lend us your powerful assistance,” Fred said.  “If we should conclude to follow your advice, we will be sure and ask aid from you if we require it.”

“Well, on such conditions I forgive the little trick you have played upon me; and now I will explain more fully the idea that I entertain regarding my money-making scheme.  You must set Smith at work, in company with another driver or freighter, and let them bring such articles as will find a ready market.  A stock must be laid in, sufficient to last nearly all winter, for during the wet season the roads are next to impassable, and provisions go up like a rocket, only they forget to fall until good weather begins, and freighting gets brisk.”

“But what articles are best for the market of Ballarat?” I inquired, beginning to grow interested in the inspector’s scheme, in spite of myself.

“Smith can tell you as well as I, but I may as well answer the question while my tongue is loose.  Flour is our great staple here, and is selling at a large profit on Melbourne prices.  Let Smith, or some one that he may select, watch the potato market closely, and often great bargains may be picked up.  Ship bread is also paying a big profit, while pork and rice can be made to cover all expense of freighting other articles.  Pickles and vinegar, and even preserved meats, sell well, and, in fact, more money is gained by selling luxuries than dispensing more substantial articles.  A large stock of tea, coffee, and liquids of all kinds, will enable you to open the most extensive store in Ballarat”

“That is so,” echoed Smith, approvingly.

We were about to make further inquiries, when, breathless with haste, a miner rushed into our tent.

“In the name of God, Mr. Inspector, come and help me!” he gasped.

“Why, what is the matter, Bill?” Mr. Brown asked, quite coolly.

“It is matter enough.  Our mine has caved in, and both Sam and Jack are buried alive!  Help me get them out and you shall have a share of the gold they have got on their persons.”