, a
slight prejudice against having them on in unmixed company, but it is
astonishing how soon the feeling wears off. Next to a good revolver,
believe me, a pair of handcuffs is a policeman's best friend."

While the lieutenant was speaking, he gave the prostrate Irishman a kick
with his heavy boot, as an illustration of his argument perhaps, and the
blow was sufficient to restore the fellow to his senses.

"Holy St. Patrick, it's murdering me, ye are," he exclaimed.

"No, but we intend to, unless you inform us who hired you to set fire to
our store," rejoined Fred.

The fellow maintained a profound silence, and Murden was about to repeat
his blow when Fred checked him.

"No more kicks," he said; "they have been punished sufficiently already,
and we must now try what effect kindness will have on them."

"I'll try the effect of a stout halter," cried the angry officer; but
Fred was resolute, and refused to allow them to be punished.

Our prisoners listened to the words that passed between the lieutenant
and Fred, and I could see by the bright starlight that astonishment was
plainly visible upon their faces. It was evident that they expected
different treatment.

"Let us take them into the store, and there we can examine them at
leisure," Fred said; and as the idea met our approval, we helped them to
stand upon their feet, and then escorted them into the building, where
we lighted our candles, and after wiping some of the congealed blood
from their faces, we examined their countenances to see if we had ever
met them before in Ballarat.

"Where have we seen you before?" Fred asked, addressing the Irishman.

The man hung his head and refused to reply; and he even appeared to act
as though ashamed of his conduct.

"I can tell you where we have met him before," I remarked. "Don't you
remember the Irishman whose wounds you dressed on the second night of
your arrival, and who swore that he would yet live to reward you?"

Fred nodded, and his face grew dark with passion.

"Well, this is the person. He was destitute of money and credit, and to
save his life we spent many hours in cleansing his injuries, and
dressing them with care. He has already attempted to pay us his debt of
gratitude, and perhaps when he is again sick he will visit us."

"You miserable apology for a man," cried Murden, raising his arm, and
the fellow cowered at the threatened blow; but Fred interposed, and
stopped the impetuous officer from ca