“I did not ask your opinion or advice, sir,” interrupted the commissioner, in the same cold tone, and with a look that almost froze the policeman; “do as I bid you, and learn to keep silent.”

Michael looked as though he would like to make a reply, but fear of losing his place prevented.  He walked slowly to the door, and after a delay of a few minutes, escorted our accuser, Follet, into the store.

The fellow’s face was deadly pale, and his eyes were never once raised during the interview.  He had evidently schooled himself for the part that he was to play, by imbibing deeply of some spirituous liquor, for he was rather unsteady in his gait; but that might have been the result of agitation as well as whiskey.

“Are these the two men whom you alluded to in my office this morning?” the commissioner inquired, pointing to Fred and myself.

The scoundrel, without raising his eyes, replied in the affirmative.

“Repeat in their presence what you told me, and mind that you don’t tell two stories.”

The fellow cleared his throat, which was rather husky, and in a monotonous tone began.  The policemen, who were lounging near the door, had all edged their way into the store, and listened to the recital with many expressions of wonder and disbelief upon their faces.

“About three weeks ago,” Follet began, “these two men [pointing to Fred and myself] asked me if my uncle was not digging out a large amount of dust and nuggets from his claim.  I said yes; that he would probably get five or six thousand pounds, if it held out as well as it opened.  We exchanged a few other words, and then the question was indirectly put to me—­if my poor uncle was in the habit of sending his money to the government office or keeping it buried in his tent.  I suspected nothing, for I knew that the men stood in good estimation with the police force, and foolishly answered that he seldom sent money by escort to Melbourne, as he feared to trust the soldiers with it.  I thought no more of the matter until about a week ago these same men sent for me, and by indirect inquiries wanted to know if I would share with them in robbing my poor uncle’s tent.  I indignantly repulsed them, and threatened to give information to the police if another word was uttered concerning the subject, and I had supposed that the matter was dropped, until, on my return home this morning at an early hour, I found that foul play had been practised, and that my relative had been robbed, and I didn’t know but that he was murdered, for I saw blood on various articles in the tent; and when I reached this building, where I first went to see if its occupants had been concerned in the outrage, I found blood upon the doorstep and also upon the floor, and these men were badly agitated, and even offered me five hundred ounces if I would keep silent, and not inform of them, I indignantly refused, and then these men showed me the body of my uncle so terribly mangled, that I was sick at heart; and thinking that I should share his fate if I remained, I hurried away, and laid the whole matter before you for investigation.  What I have uttered is the truth, so help me God!”