“If we thought your party was wrong, be assured that we should say so without equivocation,” replied Fred; “we do not wish to take part in the struggle that is about to take place, and rest satisfied that we shall not, unless obliged to defend our property.  If the commissioner has made a proposition to us—­and I don’t say that he has—­be assured that we have not accepted it, and would not under any consideration whatever.  If a similar offer was made by your party, it would meet with the same consideration.  We are Americans, and strangers to the soil, and if we can remain neutral we shall.  Our countrymen are their own masters, and can do as they please.  If our advice was asked, we should tell them to keep to work, and out of harm’s way.  Is our position explicit enough?”

“I am satisfied, and will so state to those with whom I am connected,” Mr. Ross replied, offering his hand in token of his friendship; “I must say there was some talk of the rash and ignorant, last night, to set fire to your store.  I managed, by conciliating measures, to induce them to postpone all action until I was satisfied that you were with the government in feeling.”

“If that is the manner in which the struggle is to be carried on,” remarked Fred, “be assured that you will fail in your endeavors to obtain justice.  No cause ever yet prospered where the torch of an incendiary was invoked to burn and destroy wantonly.  Hearts that sympathize with you now would soon become alienated, and turn to the government for protection.”

“I feel the force of your remarks,” replied Mr. Ross, in a sorrowful tone, “and I am aware that they are just; but what can I do?  I am considered at the head of the dissatisfied miners, yet I have no more real control over them than I have over you at this moment.  They are undisciplined, and fierce as young bears anxious for a taste of blood.  If I counsel honorable resistance, I am laughed at; if I request moderation, I am accused of cowardice.  What can I do with such men as these?”

“We cannot advise, for our advice would not be taken,” replied Fred; “but if I was placed in your position I know what I should do.”

“Name it,” said Ross, eagerly.

“Enforce discipline, or resign,” was the reply.

“But the miners refuse to drill, or to be governed by military laws.”

“Then let them look to themselves, and tell them so boldly.  My word for it, that will bring them to reason, for where can they find another leader that commands the confidence that you do?  Remember, with a mob, a very few words sways them for bad or good.  Try the good, and await the result.”

“Your advice shall be taken, although I have but faint hope of succeeding with the men.  I can make an attempt, and if I die in seeking to secure the freedom of the miners, it shall never be said that I counselled extreme measures against those who wished to remain neutral.”

Again he shook hands with us, and then left the store in a sorrowful and thoughtful mood, as though he felt a foreboding of his coming death, yet determined to yield his life for the benefit of his brother miners.