anklin, Geo. Washington, and others were called
traitors for talking in the same way during the revolution, but their
cause was just and triumphed at last," replied Charley, dogmatically.

"But you don't compare your sufferings and oppression to that which our
revolutionary fathers bore, do you?"

"I don't know 'bout that. We is taxed, and so were the old fellers that
we read about who fought and died for our benefit, and I think we ain't
worthy of the name of Yankees unless we resist all taxes!"

"But suppose that the English government should feel inclined to yield
and vacate the island, leaving the people of Australia to make laws for
themselves, what course should you pursue?"

"Do?" replied our ardent friend, without a moment's hesitation, "appoint
the proper officers, elect a president, and have a senate and house of
representatives, jist as they do at Washington."

"And what then?" we inquired.

"Why, after we had got to going we'd send a feller, and I know one who
would do first rate, to the United States, and after playing our keerds
putty well, we'd agree to annex Australia to the United States, and we'd
do it, too, by thunder."

We could hardly retain our countenances long enough to listen to the
splendid burst of expectation which Charley had dreamed upon so long,
that he really fancied his project was practicable. Conquest first, and
annexation afterwards, is the theme upon which Americans harp when in
strange lands.

"You don't know the feller that I have in my mind's eye!" Charley said,
after a few minutes' silence.

"No, I am not acquainted with any of my countrymen here at Ballarat,"
Fred replied, with a vacant look.

"The fellow that I know hain't bin here in Ballarat a great while."

"Indeed."

"Yes; and though I don't know your name, I reckon you'd do the trick
putty neat."

"O," answered Fred, with a smile, "it's me that is to be honored with so
delicate a mission, is it? To what am I indebted for the selection?"

"Wall, we want your help to stir the folks up, and no mistake. Me and
Ben have been and talked the matter over, and we've agreed to let you
have that 'ere office, if you will back us up; Ben is to do a good part
of the fighting, and I'm to negotiate."

"We will take your proposition into consideration. But there is one
thing that you have forgotten. What offices are my two friends here to
get?"

"O, we'll make 'em senators, or somethin' of that sort. They shall be
care