eless sort of way,--

"By the vay, I 'eard that these 'ere mines vas paying wery vell."

Mr. Brown started, as I knew that he would recollect the voice, and he
hastily glanced towards us to see if we did not mark it also; but we
appeared to pay no attention, and continued our conversation. "You have
never been in Ballarat before?" the inspector said, addressing Steel
Spring.

"No, I can't say that I 'ave. My time has been so much occupied vid
other duties that I 'ave not been able to visit all the places I'd vish
to."

"Perhaps you would have no objection to inform the company of the manner
in which your livelihood is and has been obtained?" the inspector asked,
nervously handling a pair of pistols in his coat pocket.

"O, I've been in the travelling line," the long-limbed wretch replied,
with a grin.

"Then perhaps you will have the kindness to travel with me, Mr. Steel
Spring," cried the inspector, suddenly starting from his seat, and
covering the persons of Murden and his servant with a pair of horse
pistols that carried sixteen to the pound.

Neither of the parties moved or showed surprise, but we were astonished
when we heard the inspector utter a shrill whistle, and before it died
away half a dozen blue-coated policemen rushed into the room, armed with
pistols and swords.

"You see that resistance is useless," the inspector said, addressing
Steel Spring and Murden; "I know both of you, and bigger rascals never
went unhanged."

"If you know me, pray tell me my name," Murden said, in as gruff a tone
as he could assume.

"I can't mention your name at present, but from your looks I've no doubt
that you are some murdering scoundrel. Any jury would convict you
without hesitancy."

Fred and I exploded with laughter, and even Steel Spring, fortified as
he was with the protection of Murden, and a full pardon for all past
offences, roared with glee.

Mr. Brown looked astonished and indignant, but he did not give up his
hostile attitude. Even his men lost their savage glare, and waited for
an explanation, which we were in no hurry to give.

"Put up your pistols, Mr. Brown," I said; "you have no use for them
here."

"But what is the meaning of this?" he demanded.

"Send your men to the station-house, and we will explain."

"But these--"

He pointed to the supposed bushrangers.

"We will go bail for their appearance to-morrow morning," I replied.

The inspector made a sign to his men, and they rather