Old Convict Days (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1899. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... whole family went bag and baggage this morning.' 'I believe, ' said I, 'that that accounts for my being sent to Jericho.' She replied, 'Not unlikely, but there are as good fish in the sea as ever came out of it.' I determined after this, my master being away, to see the mistress and tell her that as I had my ticket I would go and see some relatives up the country and come back again. I had no relatives in Van Dieman's Land, but I was anxious to get away. My mistress gave me a cheque for what was due to me, and I started for Bothwell, intending to resume my snaring pursuits. CHAPTER VIII ON TICKET-OF-LEAVE On my way to Bothwell I met an elderly man, apparently of the same class as myself, who told me that if I tried to live by trapping only, I should probably get into trouble with the squatters for disturbing their sheep. He persuaded me to try with him for a job on a farm. We stopped at a station a little beyond Shannon Lane. I stayed at the huts while my new mate went up to the house, he said to make inquiries. While he was away a very pretty laughing girl came to me and said her father and mother asked me to come up to the kitchen and have something to eat. I at once agreed and went to the house, making myself as polite and agreeable as I could on the way. I had a good meal and had just returned to the huts when my mate came back too. I told him that we ought not to haggle about wages but come to terms at once, that. I, for my part, said I was much struck with the daughter, and meanf in time to ' hang up my hat for her.' On this he went up to the house once more, and presently a shepherd from an outstation came in for rations. The shepherd and I got quite friendly. My mate did not return that night, and, as I was talking about him next morning and saying there ..