slightly.

"A resignation placed in my hands would be instantly forwarded to the
proper quarter, and I have no doubt that it would be accepted," was the
curt rejoinder.

"I feel quite grateful to you for the hint, and to show that I can act
on it, will lose no time in drawing up such a paper."

Mr. Brown walked quietly to our desk, helped himself to a sheet of
paper, wrote a few lines, signed his name with a flourish, and handed
the document to the commissioner. The latter cast his eyes over it, and
a grim smile mantled his dark face as he did so.

"You have done well, sir, and I think that the government will be
obliged to me for thus bringing matters to a crisis; you are no longer a
member of the police force at Ballarat."

Mr. Sherwin turned to depart, but Mr. Brown, still calm and quiet,
detained him.

"One word before you go. You acknowledge that I am no longer your
subordinate officer, do you not?"

The commissioner bowed stiffly, but did not deign to make reply.

"A few minutes since," Mr. Brown went on to say, "I was accused of
squandering time. I wish to ask whether I was ever known to squander
money belonging to the government?"

Had Mr. Brown fired a pistol at the head of the commissioner, the latter
could not have been more astonished. He stared upon his questioner with
a bewildered air; and I could see his swarthy cheeks turn pale, as
though impeachment stared him in the face for malfeasance while in
office. I knew that there were dark hints of his corruption, and that be
had, in some manner not known to the public, made a fortune while he
held the office of commissioner.

"What do you mean?" demanded Sherwin at length; and even while he spoke
his voice was husky and tremulous.

"I asked a simple question, and it requires some time and consideration
on your part to make an answer, it appears. I will repeat the question.
Did you ever know me to squander money belonging to the government, and
fail to give an account of it?"

"Do you dare insinuate aught against me in my official capacity?" cried
the commissioner, stepping towards his late officer with a threatening
brow.

"Have I said a word that should cause you to feel aggrieved? Do my words
apply to you in any way or form?" Mr. Brown exclaimed, without flinching
from the withering look that was cast upon him.

"I know what you mean; and if you dare to accuse me of peculation while
in office; I will brand you as a liar!"

The belligeren