yself ready for the
march. The prisoners are being mustered, and preparing for the long
tramp, for we have got to get them out of Ballarat before daylight, for
fear of an attack and rescue."

He spoke hurriedly, and then entered the commissioner's room, where he
remained ten minutes, when he again joined us.

"All right," he whispered; "put on these overcoats and caps--you must
pass for officers, or there will be an end to all attempts at an
interview."

We were too glad to comply with the request to waste words, and as soon
as we had donned the disguise we followed the captain out of the front
door, passed double lines of soldiers, still on duty, but resting on
their arms, and at length reached a strong building where the prisoners
were confined, and where preparations were being made for their removal.

A dozen or twenty soldiers guarded the door; but at the sight of the
captain and his uniform, arms were presented, the door was unlocked, and
we passed into a room thirty feet square, where we found about
twenty-five of the most prominent miners, lounging about, talking, and
apparently entirely indifferent to their fate. We cast our eyes over the
crowd, and soon saw Fred, holding a conversation with a soldier, whom he
was endeavoring to bribe to get writing materials, so that he could
indite a few lines to us before he left.

"Step this way, my man," I said, disguising my voice, and addressing my
friend.

He looked somewhat astonished, but as he could not see my face, he did
not know me.

"Well, gentlemen, what is your pleasure?" he asked, as he followed us to
the most remote part of the room.

"To see you before you left, and to convince you that we will make every
exertion to secure your release," I whispered.

"Ah, Jack," my friend said, squeezing my hand, "I knew that you would
not let me leave without making an effort to see me. A thousand thanks
for this kindness."

"Don't be discouraged," I continued; "Mr. Brown and myself are going to
Melbourne in the morning, and we will use all our influence to get you
clear. Is there any thing that you desire?"

"I don't know of any thing, unless you can send me a few clothes, so
that I can have a change after reaching the city."

"We will await your arrival, and while we are away, Smith must look
after the business."

"Time is up, gentlemen," Captain Fitz said, approaching us.

"One moment, sir.--Have you any gold in your pockets?" I asked.

"A few shill