ould not tell.

"Why, I really thought that I had proved to you that a tax was
necessary," Mr. Brown said, in an apologetic strain.

"A slight tax, certainly, is necessary," Fred replied; "one that will
help support a force to preserve order and regularity in the mines, but
not a tax that is large enough to support the whole government of
Australia. Let a trifling sum be named, say a few shillings per man, per
month, and exempt those from paying it who are sick, or unfortunate in
their operations."

The lieutenant and inspector did not reply for some few moments. Each
appeared to be pondering on the words that Fred had uttered, without
knowing how to answer his arguments.

"At least," the lieutenant said, "we can trust our American friends, and
therefore there is no occasion for our adjourning from these comfortable
quarters."

We returned no answer, and he went on, unmindful of our presence.

"The governor and council have concluded that the miners have abused the
government without cause, and that their rebellious attitude is of so
hostile a nature that prompt action must be taken, as it is feared that,
if the miners are allowed to continue in their present course, the
colony will soon be in a state of revolt, and that independence will be
declared. Therefore, to save the effusion of blood, and teach the miners
that they must respect the laws, it is proposed to provoke a collision,
and shoot a few of the ringleaders; and after that is effected, peace
and quietness will be restored."

"The governor and council are mad, if they expect to maintain peace by
such means," Fred said; but no notice was taken of his remark.

"But the troops?" asked the inspector, anxiously.

"Will be on their way to Ballarat in less than a fortnight. Even now,
munitions of war are packing, and wagons being got ready to forward
stores, and accompany the soldiers on their march. Things are working so
quietly and effectively that even the officers of the regiment are not
aware that they are to leave Melbourne."

"And my instructions?" asked the inspector.

"To play the spy, as usual!" cried a gruff voice, within a few feet of
us, on the outside of the building.

CHAPTER XLIX.

CATCHING A TARL AS WELL AS A CASSIOWARY.

We started up in such surprise and rapidity, that the inspector stumbled
and fell head foremost against Steel Spring, striking the latter full in
his stomach, and sending him, like a cannon ball, out of the