ow cleared his throat, which was rather husky, and in a
monotonous tone began. The policemen, who were lounging near the door,
had all edged their way into the store, and listened to the recital with
many expressions of wonder and disbelief upon their faces.

"About three weeks ago," Follet began, "these two men [pointing to Fred
and myself] asked me if my uncle was not digging out a large amount of
dust and nuggets from his claim. I said yes; that he would probably get
five or six thousand pounds, if it held out as well as it opened. We
exchanged a few other words, and then the question was indirectly put to
me--if my poor uncle was in the habit of sending his money to the
government office or keeping it buried in his tent. I suspected nothing,
for I knew that the men stood in good estimation with the police force,
and foolishly answered that he seldom sent money by escort to Melbourne,
as he feared to trust the soldiers with it. I thought no more of the
matter until about a week ago these same men sent for me, and by
indirect inquiries wanted to know if I would share with them in robbing
my poor uncle's tent. I indignantly repulsed them, and threatened to
give information to the police if another word was uttered concerning
the subject, and I had supposed that the matter was dropped, until, on
my return home this morning at an early hour, I found that foul play had
been practised, and that my relative had been robbed, and I didn't know
but that he was murdered, for I saw blood on various articles in the
tent; and when I reached this building, where I first went to see if its
occupants had been concerned in the outrage, I found blood upon the
doorstep and also upon the floor, and these men were badly agitated, and
even offered me five hundred ounces if I would keep silent, and not
inform of them, I indignantly refused, and then these men showed me the
body of my uncle so terribly mangled, that I was sick at heart; and
thinking that I should share his fate if I remained, I hurried away, and
laid the whole matter before you for investigation. What I have uttered
is the truth, so help me God!"

The miserable, lying wretch ceased speaking, but trembled so that a
policeman was obliged to support him.

For a few seconds Fred and myself looked at each other in consternation
and despair. If the testimony of the wretch was taken without a grain of
allowance, we were in a dilemma that would tax us to the utmost to find
means o