They paid no attention to what I said; but stepping inside the tent, rudely conducted me out of it. I accompanied them without making resistance--thinking that when brought before a magistrate, I should get them reprimanded for what they had done. In the afternoon, I was arraigned before, the "bench," and charged with molesting and interfering with the police in the execution of their duty! My accusers told their story; and I was called upon for my defence. I informed the magistrate, that I had never been an unlicenced miner for a single day, since I had been on the diggings; and I entered upon a long speech--to prove, that in moving about the gold-fields, I had the right to travel at any rate of speed I might choose; and that I had unlawfully been dragged out of my tent--which being my "castle," should not have been invaded in the manner it had been. This was what I intended to have said; but I did not get the opportunity of making my forensic display: for the magistrate cut me short, by stating, that I had been playing what the diggers call a "lark," and by doing so, had drawn the police from their duty. They had been seeking for those who really had _not_ licences; and who, through my misbehaviour, might have been able to make their escape! In conclusion, this sapient justice fined me forty shillings! There was an _injustice_ about this decision--as well as the manner in which I had been treated--that aroused my indignation. I had broken no law, I had done nothing but what any free subject had a right to do, yet I had been treated as a criminal, and mulcted of my money--in fact, robbed of two pounds sterling! After this affair, I was disgusted with Avoca; and, in less than an hour after, I rolled up my blankets, and took the road for Ballarat--this being the place to which I always turned, when not knowing where else to go. Everyone must have some place that they look upon as a home--a point from which to start or take departure. Mine was Ballarat: for the reason that I liked that place better than any other in the colony. I had made more money on the Ballarat diggings than elsewhere in Australia; and I had never left the place to go to any other, without having cause to regret the change. This time, I determined, on my return to Ballarat, to stay there--until I should be ready to bid a final adieu to Australia. Volume Three, Chapter X. DIGGER-HUNTING. Soon after my arrival at Ballarat, the mining population of the place was roused to a state of great excitement--by being constantly worried about their gold licences. All engaged in the occupation of mining, were required to take out a monthly licence, for which one pound ten shillings had to be paid. Each miner was required to carry this licence upon his person; and produce it whenever desired to do so, by the commissioner, or any official acting under his authority.