WILLIAMS AND HIS BETROTHED,

Otago Witness, Issue 1987, 24 March 1892, Page 21

WILLIAMS AND HIS BETROTHED,

The Argus of the 13th inst. states that Miss Rounsvelle received a telegram from Swanston (he signs himself Swanslon, and not Swanson, as was previously supposed), which shows that ho has some little consideration for others loft in him, despite the character for heartlessness which he bears. The telegiam, which is dated Saturday, the 12th inst., from Southern Cross, reads thus : —

'Miss Rounsvelle, Peninsular and Oriental Steam Ship Company's office, Melbourne.— Do not come. Go home. lam leaving bore to-morrow — B. Swanston."

The message is useful as well as interesting, as it establishes a connection between the man arrested and Miss Rounsvelle, and shows that no mistake has been made by the West Australian police in interpreting the messages of the Victorian detectives.

The last letter received by Miss Rounsvelle from Swanston was a remarkable one, and for several reasons may be aptly quoted. It is dated the Bth of February 1892, and in the left-hand top corner, imprinted by a rubber stamp, are the words, "From B. Swanston, M.M.S., Southern Cross, Yilgarn Goldfields, W. Australia." It urges "My dear Kitty" to lose no time in leaving Bathurst to voyage to \\ est Australia, and says : ' Don't keep me waiting, dear. If you love me half as much as I love you, you would not keep me 1 waiting'a day. As we are to be man and wife, dear, why not let it be at once. I have written to your brother at Broken Hill informing him of our, approaching marriage, and I have got everything in readiness here, so do come quickly dear. The appointment I have got- gives mcl L 6 a week for the first six months, and thereafter L 8 10s a week ; and in addition I have a house rent free, and should be able to earn L 3 a week extra. I do not intend to stay here all my life. I shall make enough money in two years so that we may take a trip to England so you may look forward to that treat. Write as soon as you get this, or wire if you can come at once. lam longing to hear from you. Send me your photo. I feel very lonely here, and that would be company for me. Do try and come over quick, dear, and you might send me any Sydney and Melbourne papers you can get." Following these lines is detailed information of the cost, &c. of the journey, and the letter winds up— "Your own loving Barron. God bless you. B. S.

While in Perth Williams frequently related surprising stories of hunting adventures in which he alleged he had taken part in the Transvaal. On one occasion he ripped up a Zulu with a jackknife, and at another time he shot 13 lions in one day in Zululand. lie had several letters of introduction to business men in Perth and Fremantle, one being from an influential financial and land firm in Melbourne. He used to talk in a large way of his business intentions, and carried business cards with the words engraved on them, " B.aron Swanston, engineer." When arresf cd at Southern Cross he made no statement and offered no resistance.