The agent handed the paper to the colonel, and he studied over it carefully.
"Why, this document was signed last night," he exclaimed, with a sour look at Fred.
"What's that got to do with the question?" the agent asked, abruptly.
"Because I believe that it's a d——n trick to cheat the government!" shouted the colonel, boiling over with rage.
"Do you dare address such words to me, sir?" cried Fred.
"Or to me, either?" demanded the agent.
"Your uniform shall be no protection, unless you unsay what you have uttered," Fred continued, advancing in a menacing manner towards the colonel.
"Don't be rash," I whispered, laying a hand on Fred's shoulder; "remember that he is high in rank, and won't meet you."
"But I will post him in every town in Australia, unless he apologizes or fights."
"When the government solicited our company to establish a daily line of stages between Ballarat and Melbourne, we were promised all the assistance that officials could afford, and no interference was to be allowed; I see that the commissioner, and you, Colonel Kellum, are desirous of driving us from the town, and compelling us to abandon our enterprise. I shall take immediate steps to let the government know the reason of our refusal to continue the contract."