The commissioner bowed coldly, and was about to return to his office when Mr. Brown interrupted him.
"I am not a rich man, as you know," he said, "but I have a little property, and it can readily be converted into cash. I will place five thousand pounds in your hands for the appearance of these gentlemen, if you will admit them to bail."
"And we will deposit half of that sum in addition to insure our appearance," cried Fred, eagerly.
The commissioner shook his head, and already his foot was on the doorstep, when Mr. Brown detained him.
"I shall be absent from Ballarat for four days," he said, testily.
"Where do you propose going?" inquired Mr. Sherwin, with a slight indication of curiosity.
"To Melbourne, as fast as horse can carry me. I start immediately."
"May I ask for what object?"
"To lay this matter before his excellency the governor-general, and obtain an order for the admission of the prisoners to bail, and the detention of Follet for conspiracy. Michael, run to my office and bring my best horse."
The policeman started on a run, and was lost to sight in a cloud of dust that swept along the street. The commissioner looked slightly perplexed and undecided. He was evidently taken by surprise at the position which Mr. Brown had assumed.