“The fact of the matter is, gentlemen,” the commissioner went on to say, “government has need of all its friends at the present time, for misguided men are plotting against its stability.  The silly things will be crushed in the end; but our great desire is to make such a show of strength that no blood will be shed.  Humanity dictates such a course, and I think that it will meet the approval of the governor and his advisers.”

“Go on, sir,” remarked Fred, seeing that the commissioner paused, as though uncertain what to say next.

“I thought of requesting you two gentlemen to volunteer your services as my aids, and if you comply, I will see that government is informed of the fact, and that you receive some substantial reward.”

“In making the request I suppose that you think we shall be the means of enlisting a large portion of the American population of Ballarat into the service of the crown?”

The commissioner acknowledged, after some hesitancy, that such was his calculation.

“We shall have to decline your flattering offer,” Fred said, firmly.  “We have no desire to incur the hatred of the miners of Ballarat by appearing as oppressors.  If you proposed an expedition against bushrangers we should be happy to comply with your wishes.  As it is, we cannot.”

The commissioner did not say a single word.  He bowed rather stiffly, and then turned and left the store, and the next moment we heard him urging his horse through the street as though he was in a hurry to reach a certain point without loss of time.

CHAPTER LXXXI.

STEEL SPRING IN THE FIELD.—­ATTEMPT OF THE COMMISSIONER TO CONFISCATE OUR HORSES.

“I don’t want to be severe in my language,” Mr. Brown said, as he listened to the receding steps of the commissioner, “but in my opinion a more thorough d——­d scoundrel don’t exist than that same commissioner, who just set a trap for you, and caught nothing.”

“In that opinion I will agree most heartily,” replied Fred; “he imagines that we possess some influence over our countrymen, and he wished, by a little flattery, and a lucrative position, to attach us to his party.  We will have nothing to do with the quarrel, but endeavor to take care of our property and our lives by keeping out of the fight, if, unfortunately, there is one.”

While Fred was speaking, a smart, intelligent man, named Ross, who was regarded as the head of the rebellious movement, entered the store.

“I have made an early call,” he said, “but not for the purpose of trading.  The fact of it is, I heard it reported last night—­in what manner is of little consequence—­that you, gentlemen, were to be offered an official position under the commissioner.  I chanced to see that gentleman when he left your premises, a few minutes since, and I thought that there might be color for the rumor.  It is for the miners’ interest and your own that the report should be contradicted, or else confirmed.  I come to you as a friend, to ask which side you espouse.  If you think that the miners are wrong, do not hesitate to say so, for I may then be enabled to render you some assistance, not by advice alone, but in a practical manner.”