forget that the ruffian may shoot me," replied Fred, with a
smile.

"Well, the fact of it is, I disremembered that. But I'll tell you what I
will do, if you think it will be of any consolation to you. If he hits
you, I'll challenge him, and revenge your loss."

"I am much obliged to you, certainly," Fred replied; "but I won't
request you to put your life in danger on my account. If you think I am
bound to give satisfaction for the blow, please act in connection with
my friend as my second."

"We'll arrange it, never fear," Charley said, with great readiness, as
though the meeting was one of the most natural things in the world.

Cowards are always fickle, and can be swayed by good or bad success.
Those who a few minutes before were silent, or encouraged the English
bully in his course, now left his ranks, arrayed themselves upon our
side, and many a hand, rough and hard with toil, was stretched out for
us to grasp and receive congratulations.

"Faith, Mr. Yankee," whispered a Hibernian to Fred, "ef ye can kill the
divil, do so wid all your heart, for a bigger thief never lived. He
stole me boots day afore yesterday, and the spalpeen refuses to return
'um."

"He licked me last week," said another, in an under tone, "and if you
think you can afford to beat him for a pound, I'll give it, readily."

"When you aim at him, be sure to fire a second afore the word is given,"
cried another new, but not very conscientious friend. "It's a trick the
bully is up to, and it's that way he treated poor Billy Hanes, who
accused him of stealing his dust. Do as I bid you, and you'll be all
right."

"We've fixed it," cried California Charley, as he was called by the
crowd, interrupting the confidential advice which Fred was receiving.
"We have concluded to let Burley have a shot to heal his wounded honor,
as he calls his black eye. A devilish bad looking peeper he has got, and
a stunning blow you must have given him to have produced such an
effect."

"When is it to come off?" I asked, almost trembling for Fred.

"We have decided that it shall take place immediately, 'cos it would be
cruel to disappoint the crowd assembled. They expect a duel, and we must
gratify them. If you are successful, you will be the most popular man in
Ballarat, and there is no knowing what is in store for you."

"What weapons are we to use?" Fred asked.

"Revolvers, to be sure. I've promised to let the fellow use mine for
the sake of placing him on