There was an ominous pause, but at length Fred concluded to speak in relation to the matter, and his remarks were received with attention.
"This mining tax," he said, "is one that will have to be abolished before many months, because it is oppressive, and applies to all without distinction. The miner who digs his fifty pounds of nuggets per week, or the one who does not get gold enough to make a finger ring, are compelled to conform to the law; and as there are more blanks than prizes in this lottery—for gold digging is but a lottery—of course the poorer class feel that they are aggrieved, and desire an equalization law, so that a man can pay according to his earnings.
"As soon as a conflict does occur, the government will be defeated. It may not be in fighting battles, but it will be in public resentment. Let ten or a dozen miners be killed by the police or soldiers, and the governor-general and his council will be driven from the country by popular opinion.
"The mother country, as she valued her possession, would not dare to retain him or friends in office, for if they did, a revolution would be the consequence. With the retirement of the government, all those who had aided it would be compelled to leave, or all those who had taken a prominent part in the warfare against the miners. Therefore, if you desire to make Australia a home, don't be mixed up in the present struggle, if possible."
"I am half inclined to think that you are right," Murden said, at length.
"I also begin to think so," the inspector remarked.
"I've hall 'long hentertained similar hideas," Steel Spring said, but he was not attended to.
"But we are officers of the police force, and must respond when called for duty," the lieutenant observed.
"Granted," replied Fred; "but it is very easy to get exchanged, especially if the request is backed with a rare specimen nugget."
The two officers exchanged glances, and nodded acquiescence in the views promulgated.