Mr. Brown, who had interested himself so successfully in Mr. Critchet’s affairs, to be sure that Follet did not return to his stock-house, sent two men, old and experienced shepherds, to take charge of the stock and exercise a general supervision over the property until Mr. Critchet was disposed to sell it for the most that he could get, and he did not have to wait long for an offer; for one day the old gentleman astonished us by imparting the information that he had got a letter from a person in Melbourne who was anxious to buy, and desired an interview immediately.  Our friend left the same day in the stage line, but before he went he made us a present of his claim, and a munificent gift it was.

We saw the old gentleman no more in Australia, but when in London, on our way home, via the overland route from China and the Indies, we had the satisfaction of once more shaking his hand, and fighting our battles over.  His daughter was as handsome as she was accomplished, and her gratitude towards us for the kindness which we had shown her parent would undoubtedly have caused her to look with some degree of favor upon our suits, had we been disposed to demand the sacrifice.  Fred was too modest, and I lacked confidence, and between us both we left London without daring to propose for the lady’s hand.  She is still unmarried, and her father writes me that she shows no disposition for matrimony.  If I was not fearful of meeting with a rebuff, there would he one bachelor less in the world, or, as the stage heroes say, I would “perish in the attempt.”

“I am tired of this,” the inspector said, one day, entering the store, and throwing his weary form upon a mattress.  “For nearly a week I have hardly had an opportunity to close my eyes, and my men are in the same exhausted condition as myself.  I have warded off the blows as long as possible.  But now I see no way of escaping a collision.”

“What do you intend to do?” Fred asked.

“Resign my position, and let the commissioner take the responsibility.  I have written thrice, asking to be exchanged, but at head-quarters they appear to be deaf to my prayers.  You may think that it is cowardly to thus attempt to escape my share of the work, but you have been in too many exciting frays not to know me better, and to feel that where a blow is to be struck in a good cause I am never backward.”

We assured the inspector that we never entertained a doubt of his courage, and that whatever course he decided on would meet with our approval.

“I cannot stay here and order men to fire upon miners whom I have known for many months, and whom I entertain a sincere regard for.  Besides,” and here the inspector lowered his voice and whispered confidentially, “the miners are in the right, and I don’t blame them for standing out against a tax that is levied upon all without regard to the amount of gold obtained.”

“Had you not better remain as long as possible, and perhaps delay will enable the government to see the suicidal course that they are attempting.  If you leave, and Mr. Sherwin is allowed full sway, I will not answer for peace twenty-four hours,” Fred said.