Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1879-08-22
An Escape from Australia.
THE TRUE STORY or THE ADVENTURES OF JOHN
BOYLE o'REuLY.

THE TRUE STORY OF THE ADVENTURES OF JOHN
BOYLE oREGLLY.
In a recent issue of tho Boston Pilot, John
Boyle OReilly, its editor, gives the first cor
rect story of his escape from the penal colo
ny of West Australia, to which he was con-
signed as a Fenian, some ten years ngo The
story is as follows:
"For several months previous to the date
of my escape, had been resolved on and in
preparation for an attempt. No one knew
my mind | had before seen so many fail
that concluded il was best to make the ef-
fort alone. Fortunately was dissuadcd from
this purpose. One day | was visited at the
camp of the convict road party named above
by Rev. Patrick McCabc, Catholic priest,
whose parish extended over hundreds of
miles of bush, and whose only parishioners
were convicts and ticket-ofleave men. One
day he rode to my hut, and we walked to-
gether into the bush. | had then made all
my plans for escape, and l freely told him my
intention. 1t is an excellent way to commit
suicide he said and he would not speak of
it any more As he was leaving me, however,
he leaned from his saddle and said, Don't
think of that again. Let me think out plan
for you. You'll hear frop me before long.
| was not compelled to work with the crimi-
nal gang on the roads, but had charge of
their stores and carried the warden's weekly
report to the Bunbury depot. On my way
with this report one day | came to plain
known as the race course. As l crossed it
heard II 'coo.ee' or bush cry, and saw a
man coming toward me. He was a big hand
some fellow, with an axe on his shoulder.
lie came TO me with friendly smile. My
name is Mcguire, he said I'm friend of
Father Macs, and he's been speaking about
YOU. / said as little as possible, not know
ing the man. Seeing my hesitation he drew
out a card from his wallet, on which Father
McCabe had written a few words to me.
Then / trusted him. He told me he was
clearing the race course, and be would be at
work there a month. The American whalers,
he said would touch at Bunbury for water in
February (it was then December and he
was going to make all arrangements with one
of the captains for my escape.
THE PLAN.
Early in February, on my return from
the weekly trip with the report, found Mn
guire at the racc-course waiting for me. Arc
you ready {? hc said One of the whalers,
the bark Vigilant Of New Bedford, was to sail
in four days, and Captain Baker had agreed
to take me on board. if be saw me at sea out
side Australian waters and he had even
promised to cruise two or three days and
watch for my coming out.
"AIaguire had everything arranged. On
the night Of the 18th l was to get ont Of my
hut ut o'clock, and strike into the bush ON
a line of his selection. where the native track
ors would be at fault. had previously Sc
cured pair Of frceman's shoes, as the track.
ers could easily discern the mark of u con
vict's boot. Having left the camp was to
hold straight course through the bush till
~
road. where | was to lie till heard some one
on the road whistle the first bars of 'Patrick's
Day This was repeated again and again,
till We were sure we both had every point
agreed. Then We separated.
AT O'Clock that evening the warden of
the convict party visited the criminals hut
and found that all were present. He saw me
sitting in my hut as he passed on his return.
One of the convcts soon after came to my
hut to borrow tobacco, and stayed a long
time, making me very nervous. He went
away before $, however, and, as soon rs he
was gone. changed my boots, put out the
light, and struck into the bush. The forest
was dark but the stars were clear / had not
gone two hundred yards when | saw a man
close TO me, evidently following me | wait
ed till he came up. 1t was n mahogany saw
yer, named Kelley, whose pit was close to my
hut. He was a good fellow though lac had
been transported for life Are You off 2 he
said in a whisper. L knew You meant it.
saw you talking to Mcguire a month ngo, and
| knew it all | was dumb with astonish-
ment and alarm. If this man had wished he
could have put the police on the alert, or he
could do it next day, He held out his hand
and there was quiyer in his husky voice.
God speed you, he said, giving me grip
like a vice; III put them on the wrong scent
tomorrow if | can shook the manly hand
in silence, and kept on my way.
At THE RENDEZVOUS
"Abopt II o'clock I came to the old con
vict station, aud lay down behind a great
gum tree at the roadside In half an hour or
so two men rode up. but passed on. They
were farmers, probably, or may be patrol
of mounted police. Shortly after l heard
horses, coming at sharp trot. They halted
near me, aud heard 'Patrick's day whistled
clear and low. In an instant was with them
Mcguire and another friend, NJ.
They led a spare horse. l mounted at ouce.
and without word We struck into the bush
at gallop. For hours We rode on in silence.
At last .Maguirc, who led, pulled up, dis
mounted, and whistled. Another whistle was
heard. aud in few minutes We were Joined
by three men, two of them cousins Of Ma
guire. The third took the horses and went
of after shaking hands with me. We then
formed in Indian file, to prevent the discoy-
cry of the number each one covering the
others tracks, aud walked on for about anoth-
er hour, till We came to "A dry swamp near
the sea.
REACHING THE SEA.
Here M-- remained with me, while