“But I have a tongue, and know how to use it like an Englishman!” cried Mr. Brown, proudly; “you may triumph now, but I warn you that before many days, you will be stripped of your title and honors, and inquiries instituted which will bring to light many secrets that you little dream of.  I have watched your course in Ballarat, and the report I shall have to make is not a creditable one, believe me.”

“I cannot prevent people from playing the spy upon my actions, and neither do I wish to.  I am honest in my deeds, and care not who knows them; and if I am to be injured, it must be by some person who is ready to perjure his soul for the sake of revenge.”

I thought that Mr. Brown would rush upon his opponent, and strike him to the floor, he looked so indignant.  His small form swelled with ill-concealed rage at the accusation; but before an outbreak took place, I placed my hand upon his shoulder, and led him into the private room, and during his absence, Mr. Sherwin hurried off.

“The mean, cowardly wretch!” exclaimed Mr. Brown, grinding his teeth with suppressed rage; “to think that the very man whose peculations and stealings I have helped to cover up, for fear that disgrace should be brought upon the police department, now dares to place me upon a level with a spy, and to proclaim that the government will feel rejoiced at my loss, is sufficient to test the fortitude of a Christian.  D——­ him,—­I would shoot him, if that would not deprive me of the satisfaction of seeing him disgraced.”

We did not interrupt his ravings, and at length he cooled down, and smiled at his past folly.

“I am glad that I am now out of the force,” he continued, “because, as I have always contended, there will be no honor gained when blows are struck, and much condemnation will follow.  Government will shuffle the blame upon some poor devil of an employe, and contend that instructions were exceeded.  Many letters will be written on the subject, and a rigid investigation held—­pounds of printers’ ink will be shed, and the newspapers will be lively with discussions, and in the end the miners will triumph, and the tax will be abolished.”

“And what do you intend doing? stay here in Ballarat, or go to Melbourne?” demanded Fred.

“I have hardly made up my mind.  I shall write to the captain of police a true statement of my situation, and the manner in which I was endeavoring to conduct affairs to avoid an eruption; and although I am not very desirous of the office, yet I will lay a wager that I am reinstated in some other locality, and that I take a higher rank in my profession.”

The prognostication was correct; for Mr. Brown was removed from the Ballarat district, and did duty for many months in Melbourne as a lieutenant, and ranked next after Murden.

Just then a few customers entered the store, and we hastened to attend upon them, and after their wants were supplied, and the place cleared of eavesdroppers, Mr. Brown drew his chair up to ours, and asked,—­