ts were not more than five feet apart; and I expected to
see some brisk work for a few minutes, but Fred passed between them, and
prevented a collision that seemed inevitable.

"You have met in the store," said Fred, "on what we call neutral ground,
and therefore we cannot permit this quarrel to go any farther. If you
have, unfortunately, differences which must be settled, do not involve
us, for remember, we are friends to both."

"You speak wisely," Mr. Sherwin said, after a moment's thought, during
which time he recovered his composure; "I was foolish to get angry at
any words that might be addressed to me by that gentleman. I have known
him long, and suffered severely from his vindictive temper. His claws
are now cut, and he is powerless."

"But I have a tongue, and know how to use it like an Englishman!" cried
Mr. Brown, proudly; "you may triumph now, but I warn you that before
many days, you will be stripped of your title and honors, and inquiries
instituted which will bring to light many secrets that you little dream
of. I have watched your course in Ballarat, and the report I shall have
to make is not a creditable one, believe me."

"I cannot prevent people from playing the spy upon my actions, and
neither do I wish to. I am honest in my deeds, and care not who knows
them; and if I am to be injured, it must be by some person who is ready
to perjure his soul for the sake of revenge."

I thought that Mr. Brown would rush upon his opponent, and strike him to
the floor, he looked so indignant. His small form swelled with
ill-concealed rage at the accusation; but before an outbreak took place,
I placed my hand upon his shoulder, and led him into the private room,
and during his absence, Mr. Sherwin hurried off.

"The mean, cowardly wretch!" exclaimed Mr. Brown, grinding his teeth
with suppressed rage; "to think that the very man whose peculations and
stealings I have helped to cover up, for fear that disgrace should be
brought upon the police department, now dares to place me upon a level
with a spy, and to proclaim that the government will feel rejoiced at my
loss, is sufficient to test the fortitude of a Christian. D---- him,--I
would shoot him, if that would not deprive me of the satisfaction of
seeing him disgraced."

We did not interrupt his ravings, and at length he cooled down, and
smiled at his past folly.

"I am glad that I am now out of the force," he continued, "because, as I
have always contended,