“I have already made more sacrifices to my sense of dignity and manhood in the vain attempt to keep Mr. Sherwin within bounds and moderation than the country will ever give me credit for; and yet I am blamed, and accused of not doing my duty, because I do not fill the prison, and load with chains every person who utters a word against the government.  If I had a sensible man to deal with instead of the commissioner, I think that this storm would blow over, or at least be delayed for some months, until advices could be received from the Home Secretary.  But as it is—­”

Mr. Brown stopped talking suddenly; and when I looked up to learn the cause, I saw, to my surprise, that Mr. Sherwin had entered the store unperceived, and had probably heard a portion of the conversation.

There was an embarrassing silence for a few moments; although Mr. Brown did not look at all frightened by the presence of his superior officer.  I expected a scene, and I was not disappointed, for ill feeling had long been engendered between them, partly owing to the mining tax, which Mr. Sherwin was supposed to have induced government to believe was just and equitable, and partly owing to conciliatory measures instead of harsh ones, which Mr. Brown had judged best to adopt for the purpose of keeping Ballarat quiet.

“I need not suggest,” said Mr. Sherwin, with one of his most sarcastic smiles, “that this store is hardly the place to squander time in when so many disloyal men are plotting against the government, and when an outbreak is threatened every hour.”

“You are, undoubtedly, addressing your conversation to me,” Mr. Brown exclaimed, with a lazy yawn, and a good-natured smile.

“I certainly am,” was the short rejoinder, accompanied by a look of surprise.

“And I suppose that you think I am not doing my duty, simply because I am resting my weary form?” Mr. Brown asked, still maintaining his composure.

“Your thoughts are perhaps right on that point.  Time is all that we desire now until the troops arrive, when we can deal with these foolish men as we please, and as the best interests of the country demand.”

“I don’t think that I distinctly understand you,” the inspector remarked.  “Do you wish me to break up the meetings which the miners are holding, and make arrests for every dissatisfied word that is uttered?”

“Such a course would meet my approbation, and, I think, the approval of the governor and his advisers.  You may take a different view of the matter.”

“And if I should venture to differ with you, what then?” demanded Mr. Brown, his cheeks flushing slightly.

“A resignation placed in my hands would be instantly forwarded to the proper quarter, and I have no doubt that it would be accepted,” was the curt rejoinder.

“I feel quite grateful to you for the hint, and to show that I can act on it, will lose no time in drawing up such a paper.”