fire the store and destroy all the
goods that we have purchased at such a large expense. But we will be
ready for them."

He drew his revolver from his belt and examined carefully each barrel,
and then saw that the caps were fresh and fitted well.

"In that they shall be disappointed," Murden exclaimed; "I will go to
the police quarters at once and state the facts of the case. A dozen men
shall be detailed to guard your store, day and night, until all danger
is past."

The impetuous officer, filled with this idea, would have rushed
instantly to the inspector's; and before Fred could stop him he had got
into the street.

"Come here for a moment," cried Fred, in a quiet tone, and Murden
doggedly consented.

The instant that he was in the store Fred closed the door and locked it,
and put the key in his pocket.

"What is it you wish!" asked the lieutenant, after a moment's silence,
surprised at the act.

"I wish you to hear a little reason, and not ruin us with your good
intentions," my friend answered, quietly.

Murden looked astonished, but made no reply. He refilled his pipe and
lighted it in silence. At length he asked,--

"What do you mean by saying that I shall ruin you with my intentions? Do
you think that I do not feel very keenly the situation in which my own
thoughtlessness has placed you?"

"We have no doubt that your motives are good," replied Fred, "but we
know that you will listen to reason, and after a few words of
explanation will agree with us that our course is right."

Murden looked incredulous, and puffed away at his pipe vigorously; but
he muttered, "Go on," and we discovered that he was softening rapidly.

"It is evident," Fred went on to state, "that the disaffected portion of
the miners at this place think that we are in league with government in
endeavoring to force the tax upon them, and, to revenge themselves,
undertake to burn our store. This we must prevent."

"That is what I told you in the first place," interrupted the
lieutenant. "We must have a police force around the store, and shoot
down every suspicious character that approaches during the night."

"Such a course would soon make the mines too hot to hold us, and instead
of getting sympathy, we should get the undying hatred of every man in
Australia. No, no; we must meet violence with kindness, and instead of
making enemies, make friends."

"Go on, and tell me how you will act to do so," cried Murden.

"It is very simp