rs
in her house during our stay in the city.

In the afternoon we called on Murden, and found that he had accomplished
his object. The governor, on his representations, had ordered a
discharge to be immediately made out, and sealed by the broad seal of
the colony, and intimated that a most thorough investigation should be
instituted regarding the conduct of both the commissioner and Colonel
Kellum at Ballarat.

"And now to conclude a long story," said Murden, "here is a discharge
which states that your friend was unjustly arrested, and that he be
released from custody, no matter under whose jurisdiction he may be,
forthwith. His excellency also bade me state that he should be pleased
to see you before your departure from the city, and requests Mr.
Inspector Brown to repair to Ballarat and report for duty."

"Ah, Murden," Mr. Brown exclaimed, "I am indebted to you for this
re-appointment."

"I thought that I might as well kill two birds with one stone, as the
saying is, and faith I've done it. But I see that both of you are
impatient to leave my pleasant company, which is ungrateful; but I
overlook it with Christian meekness. You can't go though until you have
dined with me, and then called to thank his excellency."

The proposition was accepted, and after dining with the lieutenant we
visited the palace, and were most heartily greeted by the governor and
his council, and at their request we explained our views at considerable
length in relation to the affairs of Ballarat and the mining tax, and
the means by which future troubles could be avoided. We were listened to
with attention, and I sincerely believe that what we uttered that day
did considerable towards inducing the government to abolish all
excepting a mere nominal tax, and to once more restore order in the
mines.

After leaving the palace we engaged seats in the stage, and that night
were rolling towards Ballarat, with the expectation of meeting the
military not more than thirty miles from Melbourne, and we were correct
in our supposition, for just at daylight the driver stopped, and pointed
out the company just striking their tents and getting ready for their
morning march. We induced the driver to await our return, and to the
extreme surprise of Captain Fitz we presented ourselves, and requested
the release of Fred, and after a brief examination of the document the
captain complied with our demand.

Our meeting with Fred was of a joyous description, b