f escape. Even the policemen appeared to have changed their
opinions, and ranged themselves against us, and we could hear them
whisper in relation to the straightforward manner in which Follet
recited his story.

A smile of triumph was upon the face of Mr. Sherwin, and already I
thought he was congratulating himself upon judicial promotion for his
shrewdness in causing our detection, when the arrival of a new comer put
a little different light upon the affair.

CHAPTER LIII.

OPPORTUNE ARRIVAL OF MR. BROWN.--THEY SEND FOR STEEL SPRING.

Of all persons in the world the one most welcome to our eyes was Mr.
Brown, the inspector; and when he made his appearance at the door,
looking dusty, hot, and tired, we were tempted to rush forward and
embrace him, for he seemed as though capable of delivering us from the
perplexing situation in which we stood, although in what manner we were
unable to say, for the commissioner was his superior officer, and could
dispose of us as he pleased, regardless of the remonstrances of his
associate.

"My dear boys," the inspector said, coming hastily towards us, and
extending his hand, regardless of the presence of the commissioner, who
scowled at the interruption, yet did not think it worth while to protest
against it,--"my dear boys," he continued, "I have but this moment
arrived in Ballarat from a short visit to Melbourne, where I was
unexpectedly called on business, and learned at the office that some
trifling charge had been trumped up against you, and without waiting to
change my dress, or wash the stains of travel from my face and hands, I
hurried here to see in what way I could assist you."

"And we gladly welcome you, for we find that a grave charge is preferred
against us, and all our assertions of innocence will not avail us,"
returned Fred, in a sorrowful tone.

"Pooh! don't be low spirited--I'll investigate the facts of the case,
and I'll warrant that every thing will be all right. I will relieve you
of a troublesome duty, sir, and take charge of this matter," the
inspector said, turning to the commissioner; but to Mr. Brown's surprise
the latter bowed rather coldly, and declined the offer.

"I have begun to investigate this matter, and will complete it, sir," he
said.

"I believe that I have always attended to the duties of my office in a
satisfactory manner, and this is the first time during my connection
with the police force that I have been supplanted by a su