Page 371 - for-the-term-of-his-natural-life

P.A., which is, being interpreted, Port Arthur, the ‘Villain’s
Home’.’
‘Poor fellow!’ said Sylvia.
‘Touching, is it not?’ assented Meekin, continuing—
‘‘I am, with heartrending sorrow and anguish of soul,
ranged and mingled with the Outcasts of Society. My pres-
ent circumstances and pictures you will find well and truly
drawn in the 102nd Psalm, commencing with the 4th verse
to the 12th inclusive, which, my dear father, I request you
will read attentively before you proceed any further.’’
‘Hullo!’ said Frere, pulling out his pocket-book, ‘what’s
that? Read those numbers again.’ Mr. Meekin complied,
and Frere grinned. ‘Go on,’ he said. ‘I’ll show you some-
thing in that letter directly.’
‘‘Oh, my dear father, avoid, I beg of you, the reading of
profane books. Let your mind dwell upon holy things, and
assiduously study to grow in grace. Psalm lxxiii 2. Yet I
have hope even in this, my desolate condition. Psalm xxxv
18. ‘For the Lord our God is merciful, and inclineth His ear
unto pity”.’’
‘Blasphemous dog!’ said Vickers. ‘You don’t believe all
that, Meekin, do you?’ The parson reproved him gently.
‘Wait a moment, sir, until I have finished.’
‘‘Party spirit runs very high, even in prison in Van
Diemen’s Land. I am sorry to say that a licentious press in-
variably evinces a very great degree of contumely, while the
authorities are held in respect by all well-disposed persons,
though it is often endeavoured by some to bring on them
the hatred and contempt of prisoners. But I am glad to tell

0 For the Term of His Natural Life