Page 372 - for-the-term-of-his-natural-life

you that all their efforts are without avail; but, nevertheless,
do not read in any colonial newspaper. There is so much
scurrility and vituperation in their productions.’’
‘That’s for your benefit, Frere,’ said Vickers, with a smile.
‘You remember what was said about your presence at the
race meetings?’
‘Of course,’ said Frere. ‘Artful scoundrel! Go on, Mr.
Meekin, pray.’
‘‘I am aware that you will hear accounts of cruelty and
tyranny, said, by the malicious and the evil-minded haters
of the Government and Government officials, to have been
inflicted by gaolers on convicts. To be candid, this is not the
dreadful place it has been represented to be by vindictive
writers. Severe flogging and heavy chaining is sometimes
used, no doubt, but only in rare cases; and nominal punish-
ments are marked out by law for slight breaches of discipline.
So far as I have an opportunity of judging, the lash is never
bestowed unless merited.’’
‘As far as he is concerned, I don’t doubt it!’ said Frere,
cracking a walnut.
‘‘The texts of Scripture quoted by our chaplain have com-
forted me much, and I have much to be grateful for; for after
the rash attempt I made to secure my freedom, I have reason
to be thankful for the mercy shown to me. Death—dread-
ful death of soul and body—would have been my portion;
but, by the mercy of Omnipotence, I have been spared to
repentance—John iii. I have now come to bitterness. The
chaplain, a pious gentleman, says it never really pays to
steal. ‘Lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where nei-

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