Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1891-02-06
diers, Bob" remarked Nell. 1.-THE place
seems like one huge barrack ~

/ confess the sight is not pleasant one,"
observed her brother, pointing to party
of men tramping YEARLY along the dusty
road. BY their broad brimmed hats and
hdeous yellow garments, daubed over
with broad arrows, Nell with shudder
saw that it was party of convict laborers
Tramp, tramp, they came through the
white dust, a collection of human wild
beasts, only restrained from gratifying
their lust for murder and rapine by the
careful watch which was kept upon them
for on each flank walked the warders,
armed with cutlass and revolver, and ready
TO use either should the slightest sign of
characterization become apparent.
Tramp, tramp, nearer they come, with
an ominous jingling of leg irons, and the
occasional word of command from the
warders, until they arrived at the very
spot where Bob and his sister were stand
ing. All at once deadly pallor over
spread Nell's face, and with faint cry
she fell back into her brothers. arms,
pointing her finger toward the convicts
But there was no need for this. for Bob
Jackson's eyes had at the same moment
recognized the features of their father
walking at the head of the party, looking
inexpressibly wan and weary.
That night the brother and sister held a
long and serious council in their chamber
ut is lucky that have saved so much
of my fathers money, and that l have just
received my half years salary" remarked
Bob
"What do you mean'" asked Nell.
"That | will have him out of this" re-
turned Bob firmly. do you think that l
would have our father in this living hellP"
mo. never thought that you would;
but, oh, Bob, what can he have done?"
Nothing wrong, that | will swear to-"
replied Bob, little logically; che was too
good father for that Let us, however,
consider the best course to pursue"
Long and earnestly they debated, and the
early dawn still found them considering
the matter. AT last plan was agreed on
From that day Robert Jackson's mode
of life was entirely altered. Though he
had never neglected his religious duties,
yet he became much more diligent in their
performance and cultivated the acquaint-
ance of the chaplain at the convict hulks
with the utmost perseverance. After a
time he became well known in the convict
yard and the hospital. He would sit by
the bedside of the sick and read to them
from The book of eternal life His only re-
Taxation was sailing about the bay in a
small yacht which he had hired. For some
months he had been a constant visitor to a
convict named James Sutton, who about a
week before had been struck down by a
strange illness which baffled all the skill of
the surgeon of the convict establishment
1T seems like want of vitality, Mr..
Jackson" remarked the medical officer.
"1f it had been any man except James SUIT
ton should call it case of malingering
but he is different style of man to the
usual run of convicts Never once re-
ported always ready for his work-a quiet,
well behaved man, and one with a sad his
tory am afraid. He will not last long,
and we may as well make his last hours
easy ones"
Bob Jacksons face flushed. That night
as he sat by his fathers sick bed a whis-
pered conversation took place.
rs it for tonight asked The convict.
"If you feel yourself strong enough,
fathers
Flush, don't use that word. | should
think that ! was strong enough. What
time will the boat be in waiting?'
'At midnight. Do you think you can
swim out without any one noticing you?"
Eyes. | have been twice down to the
waters edge in the night and not soul
has seen me. There will be no moon, and
all will be us dark as IA cellar"
"At IL precisely will show lantern
and do so at intervals of three minutes
until you reach me.
at is a risk but we cannot do better.
Remember to keep fifty yards from the
shore, and in case of an alarm pull off
without taking any thought of me-"
A hearty grasp of the hand was the sole
reply, and IA short time afterward Robert
Jackson left the convict hospital.
That night as the sentres on the New
Mole were being released the corporal of
the guard fancied that he perceived
bright CLEAN appear short distance out
at sea in front of the convict barracks He
watched carefully, and in few minutes
the flash was repeated Convinced that all
was not right he summoned the officer of
the guard. In a short time the flash was re-
peated and this time boat could be seen
motionless upon the dark water, and the
head of man just appearing above the
surface rs he made toward it.
"Guard, turn out!' shouted the officer
and hailing the boat he ordered it to pull
in under the Mole. No attention was paid
to the command. Twice it was repeated
without effect, and then the order was
given to fire.
The flash of the rifles showed the boat
pulllnR swiftly away toward the center OF
the bay, but all traces of the swimmer had
disappeared. BY this time, however, the
garrison was thoroughly alarmed, the
warning notes of the bugle rang out, and
guards turned out in every direction while
blue lights and rockets which were thrown
up showed n small pleasure yacht scudding
before the wind and making for the en-
trance of the bay. Twice heavy gun from
the Europa Main Guard was fired, but
without effect, and before steam could be
got up in the gunboat which was lying in
the harbor the fugitive vessel had made
such way as to render all chance of sue
cessful pursuit hopeless.
A small vessel was lying at anchor off
the coast of northern Africa. Upon mat
tress laid upon the deck was stretched the
form of man, whose worn and haggard
features displayed the marks of premature
old age, while a blood stained bandage
crossed and recrossed his chest, showing
that he had something more to contend
with than the usual ills to which flesh is
heir. A young girl was kneeling beside
him, supporting his head on her arm, while
young man grasped his hand with look
of intense anxiety on his face and q little