The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1906-05-24
CHAPTER xvu.-tcontinued.,

by the bye said Vickers, Il sup
pose We shall have to get that fellow up
for the trial. We have TO identify the
Villains"
"Can't you and l do that" asked
Frere. uneasily.
Il am afraid not l wouldn't like TO
swear TO man after FIVE years."
I'VE had better get up few prisoners
who We're at the harbor at the time"
said Vickers, II wouldn't let the villains
slip through my fingers for anything.
And are the men at Port Arthur old
menF asked Meekin
"Old convicts," returned yickers. Its
our place for observation-disclosures men.
The worst we have are there. 1t has
taken the place of Macquarie Harbor.
What excitement there will be among
them when the schooner goes down on
Monday! Most of the prisoners are
lifers. you see, and a trip to Hobart
Town is like a holiday to them"
And do they never leave the place
when sentenced for life?" said Meekin.
How distressingr'
Never. except when they die" said
Frere. with laugh: land then they are
buried on the island. Oh, it's a fine
place! You should come down with me
and have look at it, Mr.. Meekin. Pic
t4resque. l can assure you"
Ny dear Maurice" says Sylvia, going
to the piano. as if in protest TO the turn
the conversation was taking, 'how can
you talk like that?'
Il should much ike to soc It." said
Meekin.
The convict-servvant. who had entered
with some official paper for the major,
stared at the dainty clergyman. and
rough Maurice laughed again. "Oh. it's
stunning climate" he cried: "and moth
ing to do. Just the place for you. There's
regular little colony here All the
scandals in VAT Dieman's Land are
Matched at Port arthur"
This agreeable chatter about scandal
and climate seep1ed a strange contrast
to the graveyard island and the men
who were prisoners for life. Perhaps
Sylvia thought so, for she struck a few
chords, which, compelling the party, out
of sheer politeness. to cease talking for
moment. caused the conversation to
flag, and limited to Mr. Meekin that it
was time for him to depart.
Sylvia burst into laughter as the door
closed. What a ridiculous creature!'
said she. BLESS the man, with his
gloves and his umbrella. and his hair
and his scent. Fancy that mincing moo
die showing me the way to heaven, I'd
rather have old Mr.. Bowes. papa, though
he Is as blind as a beetle"
My deaf Sylvia" said vickers, seri-
ously. Mr. Meekin is clergyman, you
know
oh, know" said Sylvia; ''but then,
clergyman can talk like man, can't
hes Why do they send such people
here? l am sure they could do much
better at home. Oh. by the way. papa.
dear. poor old Danny's come back again.
/ told him he might go into the kitchen.
May be, dear?"
You'll have the house full os these
vagabonds. you little puss." said vickers,
Kissing her. Il suppose must let him
stay"
Maurice, you are great bear. and
If you hadn't saved my life, you know,
/ shouldn't love you a bit. There, ycu
may kiss me- Cher voice grew softer.
This convict business has brought it
all back, and l should be ungrateful if
/ didn't love you, DEAR"
Maurice Frere. with suddenly Grim
soned face, accepted the proffered caress,
and then turned away to the window.
Il am not half good enough for YOU"
be cried. with sudden vehemence.
ITS my happiness that you've got
to think OF. Captain Bruin." said the
girl You've saved my life, haven't
your and I should be wicked if 1 didn't
love you. No, no more Eisses,'' she add
ed. putting out her hand. Come. papa,
IT'S cool now; let's walk in the garden,
and leave Maurice to think of his own
unworthiness."
Maurice watched the retreating pair
with a puzzled expression. "She always
leaves me for her father" he said ia
himself. y wonder if she really loves
me, or if it's only gratitude, after alp
He had often asked himself the same
question during the FIVE years of his
wooing, but he had meyer satisfactorily
answered Ii.