THE STORY OF AN EX-CONVICT.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XV, Issue XXIII, 7 December 1895, Page 708

THE STORY OF AN EX-CONVICT.

Z the f' me “y story opens we—my friend and I —were speeding away from the port at the mouth of the Swan River, bound for an ’yßffiSjfyy island lying fourteen miles off the coast. This island was a Government reserve, and CgjXjjfe on it was the penal prison for the natives, the pilot station, the salt works, the houses of the various prison officials, and on the •) highest point, three or four miles from the settlement, stands the lighthouse. The sky was flecked here and there with fleecy clouds, the sun was shining brightly, and our little barque flew swiftly before the freshening breeze, making the blue waters bubble with pearl. We congratulated ourselves on having secured a passage on such a craft, though only a cutter, the usual mode of transit being by pilot or Custom boat. After we had settled ourselves comfortably with rugs and wraps I turned to my companion and said, * Now tell me what these people are like that we are going to visit, Cecil. Fancy being the guest of an ex-convict I I never dreamed of such a thing !’ ‘ For any sake be careful what you say about convicts,’ was the reply. ‘ Remember that it is a tender subject here.’ * Why, of course I’ll be careful,’ was my answer. ‘ Now describe them.’ ‘ No, I’ll tell you nothing,’ said Cecil, laughing. * You think such a lot of first impressions. Wait till you have seen them, then we’ll compare notes.’ ‘ All right,’ I laughed in reply. ‘ I allow first impressions are not always to be relied on, but they go a long way.’ We drew the rugs closer as the spray flew over us, and the talk drifted into desultory chat about this and that till we were within a mile or two of our destination. I had noticed that two of the men and the only other passenger had gone down into the hold where there were two or three horses some time before. I thought perhaps they were frightened with the rolling and pitching, but when I saw the gentleman come up with flushed face and look anxiously landward, I ventured over to enquire the cause. He tried to reassure me, ‘ There was nothing the matter,’ etc., etc. I said quietly, ‘ If there is anything wrong, I would rather know and face it than fancy something worse perhaps.’ He looked at me for a minute, then answered, ‘Well, the truth is there is a hole in the bottom of the vessel through the planks ; it is only covered by the outer layer of copper. A loose plank was laid over it, but the horses have displaced that, and the fear is one of them will put its foot through.’ ‘What gross carelessness !’ I exclaimed. ‘You may well say that,’ he answered, ‘but we have only to go round that point and we’ll be in smooth water. I don’t want another trip like it. There they go again ! Don’t be anxious ; the worst is over,’ and he disappeared. I returned to Cecil and we decided that we would go home in the pilot boat if we reached shore this time. It seemed as if we should never round that point, and as the sea was swarming with sharks, you may imagine our thoughts were far from pleasant. At length, however, we entered the bay, and were soon alongside the little landing place. There we were met by a young man with

broad shoulders and genial pleasant face. He gave us a hearty welcome, and said his mother was looking eagerly for our coming. So this was the son of the convict, I thought, as I looked at him, and curiously meeting his frank, kindly eyes, I concluded that whatever his father was I would like him. He led us along a clean sandy beach, across a green point, then along a path formed on the top of the rocks till we came to a high retaining wall. Here and there were flights of stone steps, and ascending one of these we emerged on to a wide terrace overlooking the ocean and planted with rows of high shade trees. Along this terrace were built the principal houses. Opening a gate, our guide preceded us through a small but trimly-

kept garden, and entered a wide verandah. It was white-washed on floor, walls, and ceiling ; here and there the front was supported by stone pillars, up which clambered dainty flowering vines, while the hammock and lounge chairs scattered about served to complete a cool and inviting retreat. I had barely enough time to take in this picture when a little old lady ran briskly from the inside exclaiming, * Come in, my dears. I am so glad to see you !’

How shall I describe her, that beautiful old lady ! Slightly made, almost fragile-looking, she seemed one to be guarded and sheltered from the rough winds of life. Her face, with its clear, loving eyes, was framed in a quaint cap, formed of a three-cornered piece of snowy muslin, bordered with delicate lace. This cap—such another I have never seen—seemed like an expression of her individuality, so pure and simple. The corner rested on the top of her soft grey hair, the ends being caught together and fastened with a brooch at her neck.

‘ So this is Miss Leslie,’ she said, turning to me with a smile. ‘I am afraid you are hot and tired with your walk up. Come and let me introduce you to my husband, then you shall have a cup of tea.’ We followed her to the sitting-room. Here another surprise awaited me. I saw a tall, fine-looking old man, who rose with difficulty to greet us. The likeness between father and son was striking. The same direct kindly look in the eyes, though the old gentleman had the advantage of a quiet dignity of bearing and a certain air of nobility for which I was totally unprepared. It did not tally with my idea of an ex-convict. He said, ‘ I know you well by name, Miss Leslie, and any friend of Mr and Mrs Scott’s is more than welcome. You must excuse me not being down to meet you, for you see I have a “ game ” leg, and at times it is more troublesome than at others.’ ‘ Robert looked well after us and our baggage,’ my friend replied. ‘He gets more and more like you, Mr Stirling.’ The father said nothing, but the look of mutual confidence that passed between father and son spoke volumes ; it was as if the idea was pleasing to both. The sweet old lady then hurried us away to lay aside our hatsandwash the spray from our faces. We speedilyrejoined our hosts in the shady sitting-room, where the long curtains were swaying in and out with the breeze from the sea. We spent the afternoon on the verandah watching the waves as they rolled in and broke in cascades of foam on the long black reefs. Robert returned to his duties, while Cecil with Mr and Mrs Stirling talked over former visits, and what had passed since the last. I was content to listen, more and more interested in all I heard and saw. It seemed incogruous that this man of such refinement and evident ability should ever have been in such a position. His bookshelves were filled with volumes which could only be appreciated by the thoughtful and studious. The day quickly drew to a close, and as we were parting for the night Mr Stirling said to his son, ‘ I suppose you will be going to the lighthouse to-morrow, Rob ?’ ‘ Yes, father,’ he answered. ‘ I promised Jeanie.’ ‘Of course, of course,’ he laughed, ‘but could you not get the loan of Mr Hannay’s trap and drive these ladies up ? Then you could bring Jeanie back with you ?’ ‘That would be splendid,’ said Mrs Stirling, ‘ and see if she can stay two or three days.’ The young man said with a pleased smile, ‘ I’ll see about it early in the morning.’ ‘ Well ?’ said my friend, when we reached the privacy of our room. Facing her I said, ‘ Cecil, I can’t make it out. There are the traces of much suffering in that man’s face, but none of crime or meanness.’ ‘ People were sent out for embezzlement and sheepstealing in those days, you know,’ she observed. ‘Yes, but do you think he would carry himself with such an air of conscious integrity if he had deserved his sentence ?’ I questioned. ‘ No, she answered, ‘we believe in him, Phil and I. I have heard that he is here in some one else’s place, but no one knows.’ ‘That is more like it,’ I replied. ‘I wish I could tell him what I think.’ ‘ You’ll never do that, Bessie,’ she cried.

* No, I suppose— Look at that mouse !’ I exclaimed, as something ran across the floor between us. ‘ A cockroach, I expect,’ she answered. *lt couldn’t be,’ I said ; it was too large. I’ll see —’ Taking the candle I peered under the chest of drawers near and saw a great roach with long feelers staring at me. l Oh ! Cecil, kill it !’ I cried, as I jumped on to the bed. * I don’t mind mice ; I can stand rats, but cockroaches and spiders are my abomination !’ Laughing heartily Cecil soon dispatched him, but I was not satisfied till I had examined the room and stuffed up any crack where one might get through. To comfort me I was told there were hundreds in the back part of the house, but I took care to tuck in the mosquito curtains very carefully, and had visions of cockroaches crawling along the top and falling on our faces, horrid things ! The next day after dinner we started for the lighthouse. The sun was scorching, and the glare from the white sandy tracks trying in theextreme. We were glad when we reached the hill where the house is bui't, so we alighted at the foot and walked the rest of the way. Jeanie Thompson, Robert’s betrothed, received us shyly at first, but when the strangeness wore off I found she was a merry girl running over with life and fun. Just the one for Robert. * Mother says can you come down for a few days ?’ he said. ‘ I can nicely,’ she replied. ‘ Mary is here, and can look after father. They have gone out for a walk, but will be back presently.’ On their return we descended the hill and were soon on our way back. We returned by a different route, skirting the edges of one or two of the salt lakes. We saw the salt standing in great crystal heaps, and heard it crackle like ice under the wheels of our vehicle as we drove along. ‘Those are the works,’said Robert, pointing to a group of black wooden sheds, ‘ where the salt is refined. It is scraped together by the native prisoners in the dry season and refined during the winter months.’ We soon reached the settlement in time for tea, and did ample justice to the sweet home-made bread and butter. Afterwards Robert and Jeanie disappeared, Mrs Stirling and Cecil strolled away down the wide terrace, and the old gentleman and I were left together. Talking about the island, the natives and the early days of the colony, I quite forgot Cecil’s warning, and spoke of the heartbreak I had seen in the faces of some of the white prisoners at the depot. I knew my mistake in a moment when I saw the expression of his face. I faltered and then stopped. He looked at me kindly with his clear steadfast eyes and said, ‘ Don’t be troubled. Miss Leslie. The pain of that time is passed. ’ Then I took courage and said, ‘ Forgive me if I hurt you, Mr Stirling, but since I have seen you I have never thought of you other than as a gentleman, using the word in its truest sense ; nor do I believe a woman like your wife could love and look up to a man as she does to you, unless sure of his integrity and worth.’ I felt almost frightened when I had done speaking. He rose slowly, and standing before me, said, his voice deep with feeling, ‘ Thank you more than words can say, Miss Leslie, for your expression of confidence.’ Pausing a moment, and looking thoughtfully away into the distance, ‘ To show you how I value what you have said, I will tell you what I have never mentioned beyond my own family.’ Sitting down he began : ‘I was early left an orphan, and was adopted by my father’s brother, and brought up by him as one of his own. He was to me a father ; whatever I am I owe to him ; a better man never lived. He had an only son, younger than I. As we grew into manhood we entered the firm in which my uncle was a partner, he as traveller, I as confidential clerk. My cousin was very popular. Being a good singer, and a handsome fellow, he was much sought after. His father and mother were, as you may guess, wrapt up in their boy, and thought all he did perfection. But there was one weakness which proved his undoing and mine. He was easily led, and could not stand ridicule. On one of his trips he got in with a set of fast companions and incurred a debt which had to be paid by a certain day—a so-called debt of honour. He embezzled the amount, as many others do, and hoped to

replace it somehow; but fate was unkind, and the defalcation was found out, not, however, before he was away on his long trip to America. Suspicion pointed to me, and I was charged with the offence. I asserted my innocence, but as all the evidence was against me, I had to stand my trial.’ ‘ Had you no idea at the time who had taken it ?’ 1 asked. ‘ Yes,’ he replied, ‘ when this all came out it accounted for much in Alec, during his last stay at home, which had been inexplicable.’ * And you did not hint your suspicions ?’ ‘ No,’ he answered, as he looked away over the moonlit waters, * for two reasons. One was the kindness and the fatherly love bestowed on me by my uncle. My aunt and I did not get on so well, for she was a pleasureloving, fashionable woman. I could ill requite his goodness by bringing his only child to justice, though he deserved it. There was a woman in it, of course,’ he added with one of his quiet smiles. • She was one of two sisters who lived with their widowed mother. I loved her. She had grown into my heart of hearts, but I had said nothing, for I thought that Alec cared for her, and that she was not unwilling. He was a constant visitor there when in town, and well—as people often

are, you know, we were all at cross purposes. You see it seemed to me if I spoke I would break the hearts of his parents and blight the life of the woman I loved, so I resolved to let things take their course. Suffice it to say I was convicted and sentenced to ten years’ penal servitude. The agony of mind through which I passed as I realised all I was giving up seemed more than I could bear. I remember after leaving the Court 1 flung myself on the floor of my cell and wrestled with my heart and its longings far into the night, till worn out I slept where I lay. The next day—we were to sail the day following—sitting with my head in my hands, I heard the bolt drawn, and thinking it only one of the warders, I did not move. When a light hand fell on my arm I raised my aching head, and close at my side stood Aline.’ ‘Your wife !’ I exclaimed. ‘ Aye, my wife, God bless her,’ he said. ‘ She was very pale, with dark shadows under her eyes. I started to my feet, and then shrank from her. This was, indeed, the bitterness of death. Could I carry’ out my resolve now? Must Igo away letting her believe me guilty? With a mighty effort I pulled myself together and said, though my voice sounded hoarse and strange, “ You here ? this is kind, Aline!” ‘ She came nearer and said, “ Alan, I came to tell you that I believe in your innocence. I would stake my life on your truth.” ‘ I sank upon the hard seat, and burying my face on my arm, groaned aloud. ‘‘‘Don’t, Alan, don’t,” she pleaded. ‘‘Your uncle and I still believe in you. Alec does too. He said so in a letter to Nell.” ‘ “ A letter to Nell ?” I gasped. ‘ “Yes,” she said, simply, “ don’t you know they’ are not formally engaged, but it means the same.” ‘ “ I thought it was you,” I blurted out, “ and that you loved him.” ‘ A soft rose colour tinged her cheek. “ No,” she answered, “ we are good friends, but I never loved him.” Then, as if the sense of my words suddenly struck her, she cried, “ Alan, can it be that he— ” ‘ “ Hush,” I said, “ it would kill his father ; besides, 1 thought to save him for your sake.” ‘ Her face lit up with a proud, glad light, which told its own tale ; it was worth the pain that had purchased it. I suddenly realized what a fool I had been. I opened wide my arms and she came home.’ The old man paused, the reflection of that bygone hour softening and beautifying every feature. He continued : ' After a silence too full for words she raised her face from my breast and said piteously, “ Alan, must you go ?” ‘ I drew her closer smoothing the shining hair with a lingering touch, till I could trust my voice. “Think, Aline,” I whispered. “Shall we buy our happiness at the cost of theirs ?” • “No, no, I forgot !” she said, with a long shivering sigh, “ but it is so hard, Alan, and the world will think you guilty."

1 “ You are my world now,” I murmured. “ The two beings I love best trust me ; the rest I can bear. I will go forth strong in your love, my darling I” •We had to crowd a lot into that hour, in such moments you count time by heart throbs. It soon passed, and we heard steps approaching. I strained her to me, covering her face with passionate kisses, when the door Hew back, and my uncle appeared with the warder. He understood at a glance. I said brokenly, “ You will care for her, uncle.”

He wrung my hand for reply. • “ Take her to her mother,” I implored. • He drew her hand through his arm to lead her away, when she turned, and taking a spray of ivy from her breast, said hurriedly, “ Take this, Alan, and when you look at it remember that I am praying for you, loving you always. Every year 1 will send you a leaf. Surely that will be allowed, and it shall be my messenger of love and hope.” • I blessed her for her thought, and for the brave smile on her lips as the heavy door closed between us. The memory of that was with me all the weary years. Those leaves I treasure now beyond the price of rubies.’ ‘ And she came to you ?’ • Yes,’ he answered. ‘lt would take too long to tell you the whole story, but she came, and a braver, sweeter woman does not breathe than my Aline. We were married, and for a time I was with a firm in Perth. Writing to the Government about the possibility of making a profit out of the salt lakes, I was put in charge, and started the works you saw yesterday. 1 established the heiliograph between here and the mainland, and am Government storekeeper and postmaster, though Robert is taking my place. So you see, though isolated, we lead a busy life, and for recreation we have reading, of which we are never tired, so we are content.’

Words seemed inadequate to express the thoughts that were stirring in my heart, so I held my peace. W’e sat some time in silence, listening to the soothing monotonous sound of the waves as they broke on the shore, and the soft rustling of the trees as the wind played among their branches. Then Mr Stirling said, ‘We feared Robert would want to leave the home nest, but you see he is thinking of building for himself.’ ‘ And a bonny bird she is,’ I said. • Yes, Jeanie will make him a good wife. There is sterling worth under all that nonsense of hers. I hear them coming. I wonder what the fun is about ?’ as sounds of merriment reached us.

Mrs Stirling and Cecil soon appeared, followed by the voting people. * Where have you been ?’ asked Mr Stirling. ‘ We met the colonel,’ answered his wife, * and he has been telling us that someone has been stealing his grapes. He tied the bunches round with paper, and two are gone.’ ‘ He says there is the mark of a boot near the place,’ said Robert, and Jeanie here solemnly suggested that he measure the foot print and find out whose boot will fit it. He thought it a good idea, so be prepared to turn out all your old boots and shoes to morrow for inspection.’ * Whatever sort of man is he ?’ I enquired. ‘He is a real live colonel, Miss Leslie,’ exclaimed Jeanie. ‘He used to be in India.’ • Where he had a sun-stroke,’ interpolated Mr Stirling.

• What do you think he did once ?’ went on Jeanie. ‘ Some one told him he ought to organize a fire-brigade among the native prisoners in case of fire, and supply each with a garden hose. He took it seriously and actually sent in a requisition to Parliament for forty of them. ’ Haney a lot of blacks pumping forty garden squirts, putting each other’s eyes out half the time,’ and the merry girl drew such a picture of these poor fellows with the colonel at their head, that she had us all convulsed with laughter. All pleasures come to an end, and the day came all too quickly for us to say goodbye. Mid day found us with inends on the little jetty. The last farewells having been reluctantly said, we stepped into the boat, and were soon speeding our way over the sunlit waters. We watched that group standing waving to us till distance hid them from our view. But ofteu in fancy I see them still, the young faces full of the high courage and hopefulness of youth, the older ones shining with the beauty of that peace which passes understanding. While such lives can be lived on this earth of ours by men and women like you and me, let ns never despair, but with the poet say : ‘God is in His Heaven. All’s right with the world.’ Bakrang. (At the Literary Societies' t'nion competition the first prize for novelette was awarded to Miss Harbutt, Mount Albert, for * The story of an ex-Convict. ]