The miserable, lying wretch ceased speaking, but trembled so that a policeman was obliged to support him.

For a few seconds Fred and myself looked at each other in consternation and despair.  If the testimony of the wretch was taken without a grain of allowance, we were in a dilemma that would tax us to the utmost to find means of escape.  Even the policemen appeared to have changed their opinions, and ranged themselves against us, and we could hear them whisper in relation to the straightforward manner in which Follet recited his story.

A smile of triumph was upon the face of Mr. Sherwin, and already I thought he was congratulating himself upon judicial promotion for his shrewdness in causing our detection, when the arrival of a new comer put a little different light upon the affair.

CHAPTER LIII.

OPPORTUNE ARRIVAL OF MR. BROWN.—­THEY SEND FOR STEEL SPRING.

Of all persons in the world the one most welcome to our eyes was Mr. Brown, the inspector; and when he made his appearance at the door, looking dusty, hot, and tired, we were tempted to rush forward and embrace him, for he seemed as though capable of delivering us from the perplexing situation in which we stood, although in what manner we were unable to say, for the commissioner was his superior officer, and could dispose of us as he pleased, regardless of the remonstrances of his associate.

“My dear boys,” the inspector said, coming hastily towards us, and extending his hand, regardless of the presence of the commissioner, who scowled at the interruption, yet did not think it worth while to protest against it,—­“my dear boys,” he continued, “I have but this moment arrived in Ballarat from a short visit to Melbourne, where I was unexpectedly called on business, and learned at the office that some trifling charge had been trumped up against you, and without waiting to change my dress, or wash the stains of travel from my face and hands, I hurried here to see in what way I could assist you.”

“And we gladly welcome you, for we find that a grave charge is preferred against us, and all our assertions of innocence will not avail us,” returned Fred, in a sorrowful tone.

“Pooh! don’t be low spirited—­I’ll investigate the facts of the case, and I’ll warrant that every thing will be all right.  I will relieve you of a troublesome duty, sir, and take charge of this matter,” the inspector said, turning to the commissioner; but to Mr. Brown’s surprise the latter bowed rather coldly, and declined the offer.

“I have begun to investigate this matter, and will complete it, sir,” he said.

“I believe that I have always attended to the duties of my office in a satisfactory manner, and this is the first time during my connection with the police force that I have been supplanted by a superior,” cried Mr. Brown, rather angrily.

“I shall act my pleasure in this case, or in any other that I choose to interfere with.  Here are two men charged with a heavy robbery and an attempt at assassination, and my duty will not permit me to let the parties escape until a full investigation is made;” and the commissioner straightened himself up as though he was as immovable as granite.