ich I
stand a monument of destruction, driven by the adverse winds of fate to
the confines of black despair, and into the vortex of galling misery.'"

"Poetical!" said Frere.

"'I am just like a gigantic tree of the forest which has stood many a
wintry blast, and stormy tempest, but now, alas! I am become a withered
trunk, with all my greenest and tenderest branches lopped off. Though
fast attaining middle age, I am not filling an envied and honoured
post with credit and respect. No--I shall be soon wearing the garb of
degradation, and the badge and brand of infamy at 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 present 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 something 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 invariably 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 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