The Durham recorder. [volume] (Durham, N.C.) 1879-19??, 1907-06-14

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81 Wet Erichsen having been com.
E muted to one of transportation
for life, he was transported to
New South Wales, where he arrived,
IN the official phrase, per Seahorse, in
the early morning of Tuesday, Dec. 5,
1887.
Some nineteen weeks before, still
earlier In the morning. his draft had
been chained together In gangs of six
and marched from MiIlbank across the
road and down the stone steps to the
tug, which conveyed them to the con-
Wet ship then lying at the More.
The voyage was not the worst Of
Toms experiences. The first few days
they were all in chains, and his leg
became excorlated through dragging
the cruel harness in aud out of his
hammock. but presently the chains
were struck off, and Tom did not earn
a second dose of them. He distinguish
ed himself in no way on board. In
the usual attempt to seize the ship he
bore no part, nor was it Tom who be-
trayed the ringleaders and saved so
many lives. Yet he was fortunate
enough to win the fancy of the sur.
geon superintendent who employed
him privately during a great part of
the passage. This officer was in abso-
lutte command of the copvicts, and to
Tom he was very kind indeed - so
much so that at the very end of the
voyage Tom asked the other to take
his word between themselves that he
was innocent. He never asked this
of any man again. And the lovely
harbor with the vernal shores said no
more to his singing soul than to that
of the most hardened felon in the ship.
The exiles were landed and marched
to Hyde Park barracks. 200 strong. 1t
was quite early in the forenoon, yet
the heat Of the ground struck through
their shoes, and the hot land smell
scorched their nostrils. as the ungalnly
detachment proceeded along the
streets. all rowing eyes and lurching
sea legs. Suddenly the air filed with
Jingle as OF inharmonious bells, and
around corner came a team of twen-
ty men in gray and yellow patchwork
yoked to wagon filled with stone and
gravel. They had their chains to drag
as well, and these made the mournful
music wherever they went. One of the
soldiers in charge Of the newly landed
draft CHANGED to catch Toms eye fash
ing misery aud defiance. Don't you
trouble your head about them" cried
he. It'll be your own fault. young
fellow. If ever you come TO that.
There's none on you need"
Tom said nothing. but a convict near
him called out: II believe you. general!
We've come out here to enjoy our
selves, and that's what we mean to
do"
"And will, toow said the soldier.
There's plenty OF us chaps would
change shoes with you IL we could" he
added below his breath. Assigned
servants is more in demand than ever,
and good 'un gets wages just the
same as free man. You'll all be snap.
ped up before you've been In barracks
day. No, this amt them. This is
the 'orspital. Them's the barracks,
around the corner to the left"
A high wall inclosed the somber pile.
which looked the more sinister against
that sky Of unfathomable blue. I'm.
moderate sunshine and the tantalizlng
proximity of the governors pleasure
grounds put point TO the ominous
contrast, and there were misgivings
among those bold spirits that had look
ed forward to New South Wales as a |
land Of exclusive cakes and ale.
"If they're going to shut us up In |
there" said one to another, Eve might |
as we'll have stayed where we was in |
blessed old Noogit!"
Il tell you they won't keep you above |
q day." resumed the soldier. And |
you'll never see the place again unless |
you plays the fool and gets turned into |
gov'ment. Them as does that comes
back. Of course. and has a bad time OF |
II too. Hear that! Hear that"
Over the wall as the newcomers
marched down one side Of Il there
came from the other a series Of shrill
screams, and ere they reached the gate
1t was flung open and out marched
four men carrying a fifth. screaming
stlll. shoulder high between them. The
white face was turned TO the sky. the
naked trunk wrlthing In agony. and
the blood was running out Of the mans
boots as though he had been wadIng
ankle deep in II, while his leg irons
hung clanklng from his legs.
"AhaF' said the soldier. That's a
Tom fool who's got turned into gov.
ment. you sect They're carrying i'm
across to the 'orspital. cause the cats
been scratching OF I'm"