While Fred was speaking, a smart, intelligent man, named Ross, who was
regarded as the head of the rebellious movement, entered the store.

"I have made an early call," he said, "but not for the purpose of
trading. The fact of it is, I heard it reported last night--in what
manner is of little consequence--that you, gentlemen, were to be offered
an official position under the commissioner. I chanced to see that
gentleman when he left your premises, a few minutes since, and I thought
that there might be color for the rumor. It is for the miners' interest
and your own that the report should be contradicted, or else confirmed.
I come to you as a friend, to ask which side you espouse. If you think
that the miners are wrong, do not hesitate to say so, for I may then be
enabled to render you some assistance, not by advice alone, but in a
practical manner."

"If we thought your party was wrong, be assured that we should say so
without equivocation," replied Fred; "we do not wish to take part in the
struggle that is about to take place, and rest satisfied that we shall
not, unless obliged to defend our property. If the commissioner has made
a proposition to us--and I don't say that he has--be assured that we
have not accepted it, and would not under any consideration whatever. If
a similar offer was made by your party, it would meet with the same
consideration. We are Americans, and strangers to the soil, and if we
can remain neutral we shall. Our countrymen are their own masters, and
can do as they please. If our advice was asked, we should tell them to
keep to work, and out of harm's way. Is our position explicit enough?"

"I am satisfied, and will so state to those with whom I am connected,"
Mr. Ross replied, offering his hand in token of his friendship; "I must
say there was some talk of the rash and ignorant, last night, to set
fire to your store. I managed, by conciliating measures, to induce them
to postpone all action until I was satisfied that you were with the
government in feeling."

"If that is the manner in which the struggle is to be carried on,"
remarked Fred, "be assured that you will fail in your endeavors to
obtain justice. No cause ever yet prospered where the torch of an
incendiary was invoked to burn and destroy wantonly. Hearts that
sympathize with you now would soon become alienated, and turn to the
government for protection."

"I feel the force of your remarks," replied Mr. Ross, in a sorrowful
ton