The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

“ V“ “H.” " Sir Jonasimid1he sheik of note Now, the Home Secretaryâ€"as Sir William Harcourt knowsâ€"is an important personage. and for any criminal person, with a. possibil~ ity of penal servitude for life hanging over him, to approach so great a functionary with hunt to make a. cat’s paw of him, is an act of amazing boldnesh, possibly of amazing rashness, pasaibly of astounding folly. This consideration began to weigh “ No," said the Secretary witha half laugh. " Except on a good reason. Tuis sort of thing is really not so rare as you seem to fancy. Prosecutors relem when they have gone too far, and think they can stop the judicial machine by laying a linger on the flywheel." . “ You figuring as the fly-wheel? ” said Sir Jonas. . “ Precisely,” the Secretary answered. " Will you see the man? I shall take it as a personal favor.” " If you put it in thatiway,” said the Sec rotary. “ Yes, I put it in that way,” said Sir Jonas. “ I m horribly busy.” “ Busier than I am ? " asked the great financier. -T 9 Secretary smiled. “ on have the man's address? ” “ Of course.” said Sir Jonas. ” He is within a. ’ mile of us. Game, the fight downstairs won’t begin for a couple 0! hours. Shall I send for him now 2” " If you will.” . Sir Jonas addressed a. brief note to George Bushell, an., and dispatched a messenger by cab. Old George. when he came to think about it. had been comforted by his interwew with Sir Jonas, and had taken a glass or two of whiskey on the-:strength of it. When the messenger arrivedwith the note. he began to be afraid‘that-he' was. scarcely fit to see a Home Secretary, or to be seen by one; but, havxng sluicedhis head and face with fair water. he felt better, and, joining the mes- senger, was driven to the palace of Wentminâ€" “ Wormould has a heavy hand,” he said, when he had heard the story turough. “But two years even ,for a fire; offense is not an unhearé-ot sentence." -- “ I suppose not,” said Sir Jonas. ” But I wish you could see the man. And life 1s not so gracious a business that it is worth Whllé‘ to stifle anybody’s generous'impulses except on a. mod reason." ' JOS'fiPH'S GOAT Sir Jones saw the Home Secretary that evening in the smoking room of the house. and laid George Bushell’s story before him. The official had that day been greatly tried by a circumstance which made him glad to be lenient. A man somewhere in the North of England had been found guilty of murder and sentenced to death. Strenuous efforts had been made to obtain areprieve, and the Home Secretary had gone through a most unpleasant time. He had conscientiously examined the evidence ; he made all reason able induiry ; he Wouldwillingly have leaned to mercy's side if possible, but he was com pelled in conscience to let the sentence take efieot. ' The man had been hanged that morning, and had died protesting hlB innor Genoa. and the Home Secretary had read his protest in the early editions of the evening papers. He was sure he had done his best to be justâ€" be believed the sentence deservedâ€" but, after all, there was a doubt in his mindâ€"the merest shadow, and yet enough The most xmpartial of jfidgea find best of men are apt to be afieqted in {his jay. “ lie was tempted very hard. an’ he ex- pected to be able to pay back." he went on. his futtive, suamefaced, hangdog look, and his husky voice making him almoat eloquent to the financier’s good heart. “ Of course I’m not a-sayin’ as that’s an excuse, Sir Jonas ; but look at what he lost. His father was well-to~do, an’ now he’ll out hum 01}. He was goin‘ to be married to a nice young gell as owned a. freehold farm an’ other property An’ all that set aside. 811' Jones. two’ears must be allowed to be a very hot sentence for a first ofiense.” ’ you? " “ Who was the judge who tried the case ?” asked Sir Jonas. “ Mr. J ustloe Wormould,” said old George. “ Wormould is severe,” said Sir Jonas-- “ undoubtedly severe. I have had my atten~ “on attracted to one or two cases in which. as it appeared to me, he leaned rather to the side of amen justice than of a mercy which might be wiser. But in this case, Mr Bushellâ€"” Be paused and fidgeted. He wanted to shake old George by the hand, but he would not so have betrayed himself for the World. “ I wouldn’t be so cruel,” said George, with renewed tremor as he approached the nucleus of his plot, “ as t.’ ask the Seckitury tothrow tha poor lad loose o’ the world with out a. prospect. What I say is, let him have a chance. Now, I’ve got correspondents in Australia, 811‘ Jonas, an’ my object is to give him a passage out, an’ a letter of recom- mendasion, nellin’ the wall story plain an’ straght”â€"-he saw that toach was needful “ an‘ perhaps a. huddred. pounds to begin again with” “ I shall atop i’ town,” said George, “ until I’ve seen the Seokitary for the Home Depart- ment." He named his hotel, and Sir Jonas. again shakmg him warmly by the hand, as sorted him to the door and saw him ofi in person}. agitated in accordance with the Copyrigh Ace of 1875.] This was a lie and a mere coincidence. 01d George knew nothing of Erebus. “ I cannot say what; view the Home See- retary may take of the matter, Mr. Buehell,” said Sir Jonas, walking up and down wuan his hands behind him, ” but I can am least promise that your benevolent scheme shall not suffer at my hands. If you will allow me. I Will see $he Secretary this evening. I shall meet him at the House. and will do my best to secure you an Interview." _“ Thank you, Sir Jones.” said old George.‘ " George Banks,” said Sir Jonas, bending above the table, pen in hand. and writing as hespokea “ Private secretary toMr. George Bushell. Tried for forgery beforeiMr. J uslice Wormould. Where? ” “ Boaflord," said George. _ r. _ -.“-.Wh_en? “asked Sir Jonas as he wrote. _“ fine 0’ Fsbiwerry last.” George answer- ‘ u Thatdull old fellow is an honor to hu- man nature,” said Sir Jonas._ __ " Ididn’b'thing.” said the dull old fellow is he walked away, “ as I should ha.’ got lound 7mm anythiq’ likg so easy.” flThe grant financier sprang from his chair and shook the country man of business by the hand. “I’m very much obliged to you, I’m sure Sir Jonas,” he said, more hoarsely than ever, and Sir Jonas gave a renewal of the grip below he dropped his hand. But Old George had not yet reached the actual hub of design. and detection was posslble even now. It was a. bold plan. He Went on anxiously ‘-‘ Theer’s still one thlng, Sir Jonas, if you'll forgive my mention on it. I‘m in a pretty big way 0’ business, an’ I’ve got five anu thirty clerks 1’ my empl’y. and three or four hundred men. Now, it it got to be known as I’d took a. step to free this young mun, the consequences might be dangerous. As it is. he’s took for an example, an’ I mek no doubt he‘s talked about for such. Now, much as I wish it, I can’t move 1’ this matter 11 it is to get into the papers an’ be known fur an’ wide.” V “ Mr. Bushell,” he said with warmth, "rely “1’9.” "15' iPflPP’JQG'” .Mr. finshefl’s mos went crimson and then wet gray. “ Do you think,” he v'emured no say after I. pause. “as that ’x’xd be possible ?_’_’ “ Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame I” said Mr Jonas to hlmself. “ Thir- man is a Christian 1 A g ntleman at heart. ! A iewel of a fellow 1” Tue jewel of a fallow wanted with bitter anxiety and fear. 7P3“? BY DAVID CHRISTIE MURRAY. ‘up’on {blotting 1nd,. folded 1t, and set and upon it. ""Yqu‘will excuse me fir. 'Bushell. Where shall I write to But the Chaplain habitually set the wea- pons of Gospel agriculture to work on stony ground, and would not have been much dis- couraged even if the prisoner had spoken his lhoughts aloud. He went on, business like, The prisoner’s gorge arose, but he said no» thing. Softened? Why should anybody be glad ‘0 find him softened, victlm of injustice and ill fortune as he was 7 “ rl‘he time already afforded you for reflec- tion,” pursued the ehaplain, “has been brlef, and that which remams before you is long. I implore ton to make good use of it.” Now. there was a~d6uble insult, and George was quick to feel and see both edges of it. “The object of punishment”â€"~so the chaplain flowed onâ€"“is twefold. In one aspect, in is strictly punitive. In another it tends to refoxmation. Here you have time to consider your past mladeeds. and to make and strengthen holy resolutions for the future.” The door opened, and the forget sat with his head in his hands, weeping. The door closed again, and the chaplain and the prisâ€" oner were alone. George knew him by his iegs and had no need to look up to recognize him. The chaplain’s were the only black broaicloth trousers in the prison. " I am glad.” said the élmplain, “to find yogsofnened by your chastiaemem.” “ Canting hound I" said the prisoner to himself. “ What sort of resolutions would he make if he were here 7” Smue hrs entry to thejail he had been admlrebly subordinate, partly through policy and perhaps a lmle because he was prone by nature to avoid resistmg strong things. Here authority, though calm, was strong enough so huvu cowed a. much more pugnaelous na- ture. George's valor was essentially discreet, and he made a model prisoner. The Chop. lam had good reports of bun, and, as luck wouldhave It, be paid his first real visit to his new charge whilst; George was crying. He had gone formally into hrs cell before, and mad dropped a text. or two, but now he came prepared with all the weapons of Gospel agri- culture, to plow and sow and borrow the criminal’s heart. ‘ “ Insolent cad !" Then, being weakened by plisun dish-for as yet he was new to its sheets, and had not even begun to experience its tonic influenceâ€"he sat down by his little bit'of gaslight, and began to cry. The way of transgressors is hard, and he felt the hardship without fully recognizing himself as a. transgressor. He was ill used. It was such a ridiculous absurdity to suppose that a. man in his position, and with his pros- pects. would have meant to rob anybody of three hundred pounds. A fool as gross as ignorance made drunk could scarcely think itâ€"the idea was so monstroust and palpa- bly absuid. And yet peonle actually did think it, and as a consequence he was here, condemned to two years‘ imprisonment, a felon, branded for life, lost, friendless, hope- less. And nobody pltied him, nobody thought how horribly unlucky he was: nobody guessed how honorable and high minded he really was at bottom. If he wept under the burden of these reflections and the shock of the warder’e insolenoe, what wonder? heavily upon George’s mind. and. when the Buds light became visible at the top of the great tower, its very rays seemed to pierce him as with darts of anguish. But he lacked the courage to run away and. indeed. he stood condemned to go through with the business now. And why should anybody suspect him ‘2 Why should anybody look for an evil motive behind such a promise of benemlenae? Who was likely to guess his relationship with the criminal? Vague. horrible fears that the Home Sucre» nary might be personally acquainted with all the archiVes of Somerset House in detail assailed the miserable old schemer, and a hundred other fears. as foolish and as vis- ionary, chilled him to the marrow as he fol lowed the messenger into the strange pre- cincts oi the House, where, for anything old George knew to the contrary, there might be torture chambers. Sir Jonas, valuing time too highly to endure George’s dmwl, told the story for him , ap~ healing to him now and then with a "That is so, Mr. Bushed ?” " Phat is 50,” George answered to each of these enquiries, and his heart seemed grad- ually to some back to him. But Sir Jonas did not insist on privacy, and George broke in with hang dog furtive air. standing hat in uand in a. corner of the smoking room. “ I‘heer’s another thing, Sir Jonas, as you’ve forgot to mention.” " What is that ?" “ I can’t move 1" this matter at all, if any- body’e to know as I had a hand in it, or if it's to get into the papers as the young man hasn‘t served his sentence.” “ I’ll goo an’ see him.” said George, “this very day.” But. as he rose in blind haste no forward his scheme, that dreadful swim ming in the head from which he had twice or thrice sufiered came back upon hlm. He saw pothmg but a silvery mist, with splashes in it of alternate ink and _fire,and he sank into his seat and lost consciousness. “ What’s that ?” said the prisoner. He was a. good deal reduced by prison diet, for one wing. and he was not too proud to speak 1:) anybody. And besides, except the chaplain, nobody had ever offered him a. civil word. So he answered quite briskly, and in a tone of interest, “ What’s that 7" George, as this theological bullet struck him, leaped to his feet and cried out to the unhearing iron walls and the iron door, though he took care not to speak till the door was closed. There was a pious wards: in the jail in which young George was confined, and one night, as be locked the prisoner up, he threw in a word in season. “ Do good by stealth. and blush to find it famg!” Sir Jonas whispered behind his hpnd. He gave his home address, toek a respectful have, and went back to his hotel; elated, yet snuddering. If his motive should be due- cuvnersd ? Every now and again it occurred to him that it might be that all the trouble he had taken and the danger he had incurred, were unnecessary; but his fears goaded him, and .he thinnest shadow of dreadful chance struck terror to his soul. He returned now L0 the Black Country, and was tried by the igouy of the law’s “delay for three dreary weeks. At the end of that time he recei 'ed an official none informing him that his pray :r was granted, and that, except for the necessary p vblication through the ordinary uifieml channels, which, of course, could not possibly be dispensed with, his desire for secrecy would be respected. The reservation stabbed him like a knife. “ Theer’s nothin' for it,” he said, sitting in his armchair and staring stupmly at the fire, "but to get out o’ the country wi’ a rush, an' 50 ha’ done Wi’ it.” The official note inclosed an authorisation to visit the prisoner, and intimated besides that the revxeed term of the prisoner’s duranoe would expire in a month’s time winh- in a. day or two. “ There’s a. worse prison than this, young man_.’_’ sai_d t_he p>i‘ous_ fvarder.‘ ‘ ” Hell," said the pious warder, and closed the door. “ I've got thirtyâ€"fl ve clerks i’ my empl’y," George went on, repeating his argument of that; afternoon, “ an’ some hundreds 0’ work- men, an’ it ’ud be a bad example. I should fear to set it." The great official said. urbaner that the case should have his best attention. The judge who tried the case must be consulted, and the chaplain and governor of the jail must report on the eriminal’s conduct and csndition. The step suggested was a grave one" and must not be taken hastily. The proposal reflected the very greatest credit on Mr. Bushell‘s heart. And, in brief, it was plain even to old George himself that this most insoleut and audacious of schemes was :n a fairway to success. Yet, a man will willingly endure a great deal for a quarter of a. million of money, and Brother Joseph's quarter of a. million had taken root in George’s soul. He would rather have died than have surrendered it. CHAPTER XVII. ” Walk in, air,” said the warder respect- fully, and the visitor obeyed. How the startled aohoea olanged and tingled through Thejourney was not a lengthy one, and the sunlight was lylng hot and white upon the main street of the country town when he reached it. But now a great reluctance to go near the jall fell upon him. and he walked down the shady side of the road with new tremors and misgivings, all undefined, and probably all the worse on that account He was unknown to the few unoccupied residents who gazed idly after him, but all faces looked suspicious to him in in his timorous mood. and everybody seemed to know his errand. The sexton’s statement oppressed him, and he felt what an awkward thing it was for a man who had a possible sentence of trans- portation for life hanging over him to put hi~ head inside ajail. But the thing had to be done, and when the road was quite clear of observers, he advanced to the massive gateâ€" the very gate he had seen in his dream, though he' had never beheld it with bodily eyes before â€" and rang the bell. The echoes went clanging and tingling about the hollow courtyard and a. warder opened a side door and de- manded to know his business. ” Tek my card to the Governor,” said old George with shaky pompoaity. “ I‘m the bearer of a letter from the Home Seckitary, and I want to see him." Tremulous still, and looking old and hag- gard, he began his preparations for his jour- ney. He wrote and diepatchedinstruciiens to the managing clerk at his offices, with respect to some hitherto unarranged afiiiys, filled a pocket flask with whisky as a guard against any new attack of faintne-is, and, walking to the railway station. was borne away. People who met him noticed his haggard pallid looks, and said to one another that old Bushell was ageing fast and beginning to break up. He felt in himself, though he set down much of it to his late continuous anxiety, and looked forwasd to a rapid recovery when its cause should have disappeared. I am ashamed to have wasted so many words on so simple an analysis. Everybody knows how to cheat his consmence. The benevolent employer. awaking from his swoon. found himself chilled to the very marrow, and so weak that he could scarcely rise from his chair. For a while he was not sure that he had not fallen asleep after read ing the official letter ; but as he grew clearer, he remembered that he had fallen suddenly back with an awful swimming in the head, and his fears once more got hold of him. Four and-twenty years ago and more, so his dull conscience now recalled him to the truth, he had begun to plot against his nephew, only with the faintest hope that the plot might be successful. All these years Nemesis had slumbered, and now was upon him. He was going to be punished for his wickedness. These visitations frightened him, for they came in answer to his sins. Well. then, he would make all straight and right againâ€"would make full restitutionâ€" when he died. In the meantime, surely, no Deity could be displeased by his benevolence to a young man who had so shamefully betrayed his trust. He would be good to young Banks. and free him from prison, and give him a new chance in the world, and money to start with, two hundred pounds in- stead of oneâ€"an ample provision. And then he would make a new will, and in place of founding the great Bushell Hospital and Institute in its projected ent1rety, he would bequeath everything his brother Jo- seph had left behind him to Dinah, its rightful owner. Surely. thought the old sinner, tremulous now and full of fears, that was enough to do. Surely that put a new complexion on the matter. and made his plot pious. If his own conscience could not see a flaw in the new scheme, might he not believe or hope that the flaw went unseen ? There was one thing about which he was absolutely certain. He had never meant to be a wicked man, and if circumstances tempted him too strongly to be resisted now, it was in his power to do justice at the end. Even in the mean time he was acting benexo- lently to the criminal George. He, at least. was not at present‘ entitled to a penny of the money, and a year and a half imprisonment lay before him, apart from the self-excusing self~acusing old rascal‘s interference. i to set the enormity of the prisoner’s offence before him. ‘ Then he told him how unhappy he was, and at this period in his harangue the hearer’s tears fell fast. He told the miserable George how he had sacrificed the substance of happiness and prosperity for the mere shadow of a fleeting joy ; x and when George sobbed in answer the chaplain warmed to his text and grew nearly eloquent. And the more eloquent the Chaplain grew. the more the criminal was afiected ; and the more the prisoner was afleoted, the more more the Chaplain was stirred to efficat. He was a thoroughly good man, pious and. in earnest, and we all like an appreciative lis tener. The criminal cried at the exhortation. and the exhorter naturally felt well diaposed to him, as you would feel to me if I laughed at your comic story and shed tears at your strokes of narrative pathos, brother novelist. The chaplain in parting shook him by the hand and left a tract behind him. That sort of literature never had any charms for the criminal until now. but anything is better than nothing, and he read the tract and took an interest in it, and read it so often, for sheer want of something better to do. that he knew it almost by rote when the good man next visited him, And if on future occasions he humbugged the chaplain, he began by humbugging himself. Every man but the greatest has a little of the chameleon in him, and takes his color from surroundings. Young curates coming up to town and meet- ing old college chums in bachelor chambers have been known in the course of a day or two to throw off something of the restraint of habitual piety, to drink bitrer beer once again, and to take a bashful hand at six- penny napoleon. It is within livmg memory that the late Mr. Peace told the chaplain ol' the jail within Whlch he suffered the final penalty of the law that he ~Peaceâ€"wou1d show the chaplain how a. Christian could die. Impressionable human natureâ€"not el together deceived, nore more than nine tenths deceiving. No. 32, B Corridor, became a sort of model prisoner, and was in the main treated with great kindness. The pious warder even went so far as to supplement his rations â€"ageinet all rule «with bottles of warm ten and wed» gee of pork pie, the which 32 of B Corridor gratefully received and disposed of. And when at length, beneath the seal of ofliciel secrecy,the inquiries prompted by old George Bus-hell were made by the HomeDepartment. the Governor and the Chaplain were both honestly pleased that a young fellow who showed such sincere desire for amendment seemed likely to have another chance in the world. Their reports were eminently favora. ble to the prisoner, who.esamatter of course, knew nothing of the negotiations. George himself began to think the Chap lain,wil.hin limits, an appreciative sort 0‘ man; and when, beneath the pris» oner’s tears and its own eloquence, the exhoriing voice began to shake and to growa little husky, the criminal murmured that he felt the value of sympathy. and Would think of the good advice which had been given him. And so, on 9. sudden, this young man beâ€" came quite a model of Christian propriety. He forgave John Keen and all his other enemies ; he admitted the justice of the senâ€" tence which had been passed upon him, and out of the depths of his regeneration he wrote a letter to Dinah, a letter so [ions and edify- ing that the Chaplain consented to let it go. and, by the Governor’s permission, posted it with his own hands. In that enistle he set before his supposed sister the manner in which he had become converted from the error of his ways, and besought her also to seek the cleansing fountain in which he had been sanctified. Poor Dinah was spared the misery of reading this effusion. The local postmaster returned it to Ihe geol, marked in red ink, “ Gone. Left no address." tle closed the cell door with a snap, and 01d George started at it. It had a strange quick sound upon the ear, that click of a prison luck, as I have before noticed, and even an undetecned criminal may very well jump at little at is. But disturbed as he was. he remguized his private secretary now, and began to string himself up for the work which lay brfure him “ I’m 'willin‘ to hope so, also,” said the wrongful heir, “ willin’ an’ eager. I’m glad to hear from the governor of this jut] as the chaplain believes as you’re sincerely peninem.” *' “ I trust I am,” said the rightful heir. " I‘m here as your sincere friend, Mr. The Governor was a little curious, and the slsulnion was interesting. “F? shall be most happy,” he returned. " nit there," he said no the warder, “ until I tap the door, and than unloek it.” “Mr. Banks.” ‘he said with labored dtlibemtlon, “I’ve come to see you on a. most; important matterâ€"a matter as ouncems you very deeply. You’ve had time, since you was here, to think things over, an’ I hope you’ve done is. an’ as you ve begun to see things in weir proper light.” The criminal with downward glanee mur~ mured to the effect. that he hoped so and bulieved so. He was near the truth in one respect, though unconsciously, for he loathed old George, and trembled wmh anger as thu sight 6f him. " I mink I’d rather,” said 01d George slowly. He had meant to finish thare, but. perhaps a shade of disapproval or disappoint- maul: 1n the Governor’s face, perh :ps 8. half trightenad desire to propitiute hun. made him remould the phrase. “ I think I’d rather as you was with us.” Now, the prisoner was making rapid pro- gress towards spiritual perfection. He had forgiven all his enemies, theoretically. and he had cultivated all his own evil passions on: of himself. For a. month or two pmst» he had been quite saintly, and had taken the deepest interest in his own spiritual symptoms. Yes he did rile up a. little at old George’s intru- sion, and as the intruder walked into his cell the criminal‘s newly holy soul went bilious on a. sudden. For he remembered yet â€"he had never meant to swindle his employerâ€"he use only tried to borrow for a. month or two wiihoun asking leave, and he had been very harshly treated. He had prayed to be able $0 forgive old George, but human nature is szllible, and when he saw him he had no for- giveness ior him. ‘~ Do you wish your interview £0 be ab< soluter plivme, Mr. Busheu ?” asked the Governor, Withdrawing him a little towards aha door. the hollow court when the wards: slammed the solid little door ! The werder, having ealled 8. fellow ofi‘icial gave him Mr. Bushell’s card. with instruc tions to take it to the Governor ; and then. invxting the visitor to be seated, mapped hi,- foreheed and said it was a. roaster. Old George assented and looked at the orna. meme on the well, all 01 which were dis~ agreeably suggestive of strong durance Aftei what seemed a long pause, heavy footsteps set the echoes going in the courtyard again. and the messenger reappeared. “ At present,” said the Governor, “ the yonng man is of course unprepared. Perhaps, Mr Bushell. you would like to carry him the news of your own benevolence, eh ?” 7 The schemer’s hair was grey, his face was coming to ha a good deal seamed and fur- rowed, it was pale just now, and had a. worn look on it ; immobile am the old rascal was, it was plainly to be seen that he had suffered; His dull, slow speech, 1115 almost; expressiouless front, with only that look of late pain upon it had more efiucx Khan could easily have been fancied. The mam looked so simple and genuine, not at all like a schemer against his protege‘ A wood~ enly benevolent, good, stupid, slow creature ! There is even a mournful admiring tender- ness. 8. tinge of pathos, in one‘s thoughts concerning him. “ 0r perhafis," and the Governor, “ you’d like to see thayoung fellow himself firstr 7" George followed the Governor back into the jail, and as he did so the nervous feelings he had been able to despise a few minutes ago returned upon him. It was not easy to despise them now. Sup- pose there should be something in them. after all l Old George in jail precincts, with the knowledge of his own criminal note within him, was not the men to be happy in his mind. A warder went before them un- locking the doors, and fastening them behind, and at last he and they came to corridor B and then to door 32, and this being opened revealed the figure of a man at whom the benevolent intruder looked with no recogni- tion. The rightful heir, with sleek cropped head and clean shaven face, looked up and knew his late employer ; but the young George was so altered by his prison dress, and the prison razor and shears. that the old man might have looked at him for five minutes without guessing who he was. The prisoner sprang to his feet, and. with head a little bent, stood in attitude of attention. 1 “ Banks,” said the governor, “this gentle man desires to speak to you. I hope than what he has to say to you will make a proper impression on you.” The Governor was not in the least official in appearanceâ€"a. grey. elderly gentleman, with a cordial look and manner. He re- ceived his visitor with something more than courtesy, and shook hands as if he were pleased to see him. The fact was that he had heard of old George’s amazing goodness and, being himself of a kindly nature, was much impressed by the story. It is not evary day in the year that a man who has been so ill-repaid for the aflection wasted on a pro- tege ehoosas to act in this Christian spirit of forgiveness. ‘ “ I should like to see him certainly." said old George, “311’ may be to any a. solemn word to him. You see, Mister, what a. mistake 1: ’ud be if he was to be let out impenitem after all." He was so falling into the part, that he began toregard all sides of it qvite naturally. Those,fears of possfble detection had been purely nervous. and had not as- sail: (1 his reason ; or at least he told himself so, now, when he saw the Governor so friendly. " They was all mere foolery, of course,” said he to himself. . “ Well." rammed» George, “ I don’t know as I shouldn’t. Yes," he added with a mosh invoggntary Vsighfi, “l’il gefihatfi overIA’ » “ Ver iveller. Bushell. Come this way, if you please?" “ Wanna you like to see the chaplain ?" asked the Governor. “ Well,” said George deliberately, “ I don’t know as itrmxghten’fiber asyell.” . Out into the open yard” then through a heavy doorâ€"which the warder unlocked - into a corridor, than through another door into a lengthier corridor. All the doors, old George noticed with an uncomfortable creepl mess in the region of the spine. closed with a snap behindâ€"and now, if the Secretary of State had pierced. his plan from the first, how safe they had him 1 That was all nonsense. and he knew it, but he shivered at it. He was relieved when, having traversed the whole length of the jail, they come upon an other open space, turfed and not paved thie time, and beyond it the Governor’s house. looking solid and prison like, but still a. little more cheerful and less terrible than the li ing grave behind. ' " Well, you know. Mr. Bushell,” said the Governer with a half laugh, “ a prisoner’s penitence is a thing the quality of which in Is very diflicult to judge until you see it no nually worn and tried outside. ‘ The devil was sick"â€"â€"you know. And I dare say,‘ added the Governor, “ that whlle the sick-c ness lasted, his penitence was real enough. That‘s the way with ’em here." “ The Goverhot’s mepliment, sir, and wil] you walk this way.” “ Ah I" said George, wondering what the man was talking about ; “ so I should sup< pose._ S_o I shouid suppose." “ At the same time: i must tell you that the chaplain thinks very favorably of the young man.” “ Ah ?” said George. “ That’s well. That’s well.” “I shall be here." said old George wish cold derperation, “ to meet him." He turned to the criminal and said “ Good bye.” The youngster took his hand and kissed it, and Wept. above is with inarbiculate gasps oi benediction and thanksgiving, until his bene- factor lost patience and took it: away. The warder came in answmr to the Governor‘n summons, and released them, and young George was left; to his reflectiona. They were bitter, but; sweetened by touches of gramme and hope and new resolve. Hr. would be a new man, and in that distant land to which he was bound he would lead a frugal. honorable, and induntrious life. Mr Bushell waaright. England was played out for him, and he could never more hold his " Wall, 811‘,” said George, his mission being now accomptished, “ you’ll let me know the. date on whlch this young man‘s sentence ’11 expire ?” “ I can tell you that at once." ma the Governor, “ and as I am auth‘ fixed to inform the prisoner, I may as Well tell you ht'rn‘ This is the 29111. On the 28d) of next monIl-L being Monday, he will be discharged at noon.” ‘ 1 think your whole scheme must praise worthy and admirable, sun" cried the GJvern er, “ since you are so good as so ask me my opmion of it.” “ This gentleman,” said old George, indi» eating the Governor, “ ’11 let me: know, an‘ let you know, when the release whic. has been gi’en to yuu is to come about». I shall hope to meet you here. Mr. Banks, un’ m accumpany you on your journey, an’ aboard ship .[ shat] place the sum I’ve mennoued in your hands. I trust us yam Won’n mhmk as I’m autekin undoo prr-cuuLiona, sir,” he added appealing to the Governor. The crimmal prumised upon his knees, with tears and gaspinga which almost made his speech inaniculate. Wmlat he spoke thus. 01:! George’s con- science bwiuged him faiutly‘ but [.th he remembered that in “is case the obstacle 'to honesty bud been quite inbupemble lately. And at the bag‘mning he had nuvez’ meant to swmdle anybodv. He had only helped his errant nvpuew, Joe, as he was now helping Joe‘s sumâ€"and hen. The criminal was broken indeed at this, and even aha Governor, if there h:sd been anybody 101001: at bun, would have been seen to be visibly affected. “ I trust an’ hope,” continued George, “ that beng thus provided. Mr. Banks, yuu'il hu’ no more tempmtion 120 drpirn from the straight road." It’s that alone an leads to prOz-perity nn’ happiness, an’ I do hope you‘ll tek in.” CHAPTER XVIII. “ I shall give you letters of introduction, Mr. Banks, to my old correspondents in Mel- borne, in Australia,” said George. ~‘ In) afeared I shall have to ml the math about you, because I don‘t rxghnly think as It. ’ud be honorable to deceive ’em. I small give you two hundred pound, an’ a. ouzfit,‘ an’ your passage money." " Thank you,” said 01d George Woodenly, and the two shook hands, whtlst the forgiven forget crawled back to his bedside and wept afresh. It was a. moving scene, and the pmcti l exponent of Christian charity, as he stood t. are, shook at the fancy “ Banks,” said the Governor, who was moved within by this strange inurviewh though he was too self posswsed to show 'w “ I trust; that never so long as you live will you allow the. memory of this generous for- giveness to fade from your mind.” “ I say the Emma; sir. as this poor fellow here." cried the Governor. wim the all]; handkerchief in full play again. “ Yes, sir. Damn It all, air, I say the same I You are a. worthy man. Mr Bushell. I am proud, air, to have met; you.” “ The prisoner was 360 amazed and agitatwi to say a Word. “ I allaya likau you,” said old George. “an’ I allaya Look a. interust in you. An’ now I‘ve empl’yed my influence along wi‘ my friend Sir Jonas 0rcesus.”â€"â€"this, had, as in was meant no have, a. eerms'm weight with the Governor, â€"â€" “ ‘au’ L’ve had an interview afiong of the ’Ome Seckitary. In a, month‘a Lime you'il be set; (we, zm’ than you musL try an' see if you can’t not wiser an' bebbar.“ “ God bless you, Mr. Bushell !” he cried in a, voice shaky With many Bobs. " God bless you, sir ! God bless: you 7!” “I have deservud i; a'l. 511‘,” said de.~ bested criminality, piaying to the governor, Jufi his inward npeecn was unrapormbln. ’I‘he undetected crim nal fl ind on. “ You’ve had time enough to Lhiqk 0’ what vou’ve parted with through folly. Your chances was night. You’d ha.’ been well to do an’ respected new if is hain’t- ha’ been for than. You'd very like ha.’ been settled dowu an’ married af-Jre m-diy, for I know What your proapenbs wall.” What was young George likely to say to Australia under the circumstances? I WM about to say that he jumped at the chance : in reality,he crawled at 1t,for he turned upon his knees and made at the undetected swiu diet asif to embraee his legs. and had not oxd George retired precipitately behind the Governor, he would have done iz. Banks." the wrongfui heir resumed. “I dare say as you’ve thought many a. tame wha: an In judged thing it was you did, let alone the mokedness on it. I suppose, now, as you’ve found the pumshment pruttv heavy ? ’ “ I took a likin’ to you from the firat.” old George went on, oueoumgvd by the effect of his own oratory, and somehow, in a, dnm sort. of Way, feeling himself wronged and maunanimous, " an’ you can’t help allowin’ as I did my best to push you forums. I was forced to prosecute, because it was: a public dooby, but now you’ve been punished. an’ I’m not desirous of no revenge upon you, not, though I used to like you, an’ you played me false." The young Bcoundrel dropped on the side of his bed, which stood half- way retired in a. niche in the wall. His head and the wall come pretty sharply in contact, or he would probably have fainted with amazement; and aha revulsion of his feeling towards old Gaorge. He could scarce believe his eyes and ears. Young George slid from vthe bedside where he sat, and kneeling there buried his face in the cheap hard rug whim made his omn- Lerpane and Wepl anew. This forgivenms really broke him. It look him by SUtpPSH and by storm, and his sobs were torn up by the roots. He had been a scoundrel -he confessed it inwardly, at lashâ€"he had been a fool, he acknowledged it. For a minute or two the burden of his new burn graxitude was hard to endure The Governor was affected and blew hiN nose re peatedly, waving aloud colored sxlk hand~ keichief about in a way which revealed, whilst it was mean: to disguise, his inward agitation. Old George stold lhere wooden and cold. but even he was scarcely aolprou sessed', us you may easxly conceive. But neither of his auliiaors yet knew how the benevolent. creatum’s kindliness had carried him, and 1118 grand coup had yet to be made, so far as hey were concerned. This defected criminal began to weep. for mingled rage and pity of himself. The nu- detec'ed criminal cominued. “ I'm glad to see as you feel your position that keen, Mr. Banks.” Oh, the surging rage and self pity in the little soul! A storm in a tea cup I Ay. but the vessel trembled. and was likely to break with 1!. “ Now,” he continued, when the prisoner’s sobs had grown less violent and the Governor had ceased to blow his nose, ~‘ bhis cuunlry'n about played out for you, Mr. Banks, or at, least. I’m vexy much areared it is. But it ’ud be cruel i‘stund o‘ buiu’ kind 1.0 mm yuu 10056 0’ the world again without a proapic‘a Now, s’spoae I give you another star: 1’ Bh‘ world, what do you say to guiu’ out 12’ Ans trails. an‘ tryiu’ no begin afresh? I bulicvu as you are penitent, an‘ I hnpe prosperous times ’11 mm yuu upon you theer. Now, what do you any t' Australia ? ” What was this? the prisoner asked hlmself with a. heart tha‘ fluttered in his breast, like a flag 1'1} the Wind. What was it ?’f > “ So I’ve used my influence,” said the old scoundrel, ” with the ‘Ome Sgokitary, au’ he’s consented to reduce your aemence." If they was to find me out. after all I” Mr. Banks being reduch by his doliverer‘s :tdmonitim to an occasional gasp and snuffle of emotion. found in little time other things than his own emotions to think of. The question ok‘ the proposed letters of introduc- ion occurred to him, and he began to wonder afresh Would they be entrusted to his hand or forwarded by the mail ? If they were forwarded by the mail, would it not be better to escape the stigma they carried with xhumrâ€" say, by a change of name, and by presenting himself in Search for employment .‘ISG‘VhBIe? Mr. Bushcll had promised him £200 and that, though not a fortune, was a good round sum of money to begin the world with. if work were to be had at all, a man of his presence, his business capacity and expen'ence, was bound to be able to get “ Mr. Banks,” he smd severely, “I’m a beâ€" ginning to regret s’rendy as i took any trouble about you You don’t seem to haVe no sort of a man’s heart in you. Be ayther a. man or a. mouse, Will you? My Blessid l It’s enough to turn your stomach to see a‘ man a oin’ on so.” Thus roughly adjured, George made an «if rt. He haul been crying all day up till now, and is was not easy for him to subdue himsell. He read somewhere the words, “it. is 3 terrible thing when manhood weeps,"- hind 3m got some mulodrsmatic comfort out of that ruflvoiion even whilst his tears Were flowing. For. though a small creature, he was complex, and had room in him tor all munnorof conflicting idras and feelings ai the some time, so that he had cried partly because it was the feeling thing to do and showad that he lmd a Sensitive and emotional organisation. His eyes and nose were ind and swollen with his tears, and his beard and moustache wore as yet scrubby and stubble like ; so that old George, looking upon him in so aspect more and more an favorable. The §oung villain had at least Deon personable, and now. confound him ! he was growing positively repulsive to look at. And in spite of this, the elder saounurel had to counterfeit some sort of interest and even of affectionate regard, for a. day or two, until he (:0qu see him aboard ship for Mel~ bourne. and have him safely dismissed the CUUDII'V. He was horribly afraid of being observed, not for‘any special reason. but in a. general way. He was horribly afraid all roundâ€" efruid of being foilowed and taken back, afraid of being met by somebody who might somehow know his relationship with the released prisoner, afraid that the sexton at Weston Church was Just at that moment discovering the loss of the certificate. It was a. nervous enterprise altogether fur a man of old, George’s mental» build. He wondered darkly within himself whether such an ex pedient had ever been hit upon before, and he wondrred at himself 'for having hit upon 1t. Whatever he thought of Wes perplexed, and entangled in his mind with misgivings and fears. It was not unnatural that he shou d under these unpleasant circumstances, begin l0 hate young George his companion. For it was as Clear as day that, if that young scoundrel had not been a. scoundrel, 01d George would never have experienced any of these troubles ; Dinah would never have made her appeal to him, and and he would never have known of his secretary‘s heirship to Joe Bushell. Yet, though he did begin to hate, he had his part no play, and his part was one of gentle friendship and kindly consideration. That was a role which he would have found diifi cult at any I.ime,and now he felt it to he grow- ing intolerable. George’s tears gave him a chance for a partial outbreak. He had wept anew with mingled feelings of all sorts at the person’s exhormtionn ; and when his late employer came to relieve him. he felt amazingly afiectienate towards him. The released convict. felt that he loved old George. He 10Jked at his unmeaning coum tenanCv, worn and strained and battered with the last six or seven mdmhe of misery ; he talked at it through his tears. and venerated its owner. Tue g0ud man he wasâ€"the for- givmg praciical Christian, who did good to one who had despitefully used him! In brief, \h-a puur cad was quite melted and broken upon this occasion, and vowed amendment with all his little heart and soul. The past uearifiud himâ€"his bygone hopes, his wasted chances ; these make scourges for all of us at one time or another, and surely here was a tzma fur a man’s own hand to lay the lash on heavily. “ Say no more about it,” he answered “ Dry them eyes 0’ yourn, an’ be a man, Mr Banks." head up where people had known him. But] in a new land he could take a fresh start, and nobody need know of his criminality. l‘hore- abouts in his reflections a chill fear fell upon him. Mr. Bushell, his saviour and henelac-i tor though he was, spoke of the need of telling his whole story to his agents in Mel- bourne. Would he, in that case. sand the letter by post, or entrust it to his own hand ? [f it were entrusted to him, it would be eusv to lose it ; and with the upspringing of that defensive fancy in his mind, gratiiu le began to cool a. little, and refl czions about’hin own fuiure to take the place of it. But the fit w s so hot that it or o «d down all in a second. and before the young man could rasolve to barke that letter in case it were entrusted to him. he W218 assailed by gust after gust of graLeiul emotion, and this condition lasted him for a w ek at least. Then he began to feel an amazing flutter about his approaching liberty. The prison barber had left off trim thing and shaving him. and he used to feel his hair and rejOico to find it long enough to get a grip of‘ Looking glosses have no part in jail ec inomy Before his waiting month was out, his hair, which grew rapidly, was long enough not to 1: 0k remarkable, and he knew that he was psle enough to pass for one ‘ who had had a. recent fever. At the first 1 blush of his new resolves ho had determined, amongst other things, on a. very strict ad ‘ nerenoe to Veracity. He made up his mind i that nothing in the world should tempt him ‘ to devmte by a. hair’s-breadth from the truth But before long he began to see what a hard measure that was. He must lie :1 little. Necessity was laid upon him. How could he confess to anybody the real reason of his pallor, or account with accuracy for the shortness of his hair: ? That would be suicidal. his meant to be rellgioua â€"-he really meant to be religious, and the best of Christians-but did religion exact so rigid and even ridiculous a discipline? He thought not. He was less grateful, perhaps, for this blackening of his chains than he would have Ueen Without the unsurance of approaching liherty, 3nd in a Whilu the torment and agony of hops left him no room to think of more gratitude to anybody. Time had never so dragged on his hands as now; but howsoever long it seemed in coming, the hour came at last- and with it, the man. At stroke of noon on Monday, the 28th, 01d George led you'ng George through the prison gates and into the street, where a. hack-coach awaited them and drove them to a. distant railway station. The chaplain had prayud with his departing guest that morn- ing, and had given him much fervent advice. [The Governor bade him forewoll kindly and with hope. The dress in which he had been arreated was returned to him, and he was habited like himself once more.,’ “ I'can never repay you, sir, for your kindness,” said the young man brokenly at; the}: drgw away. Old George 'had his own troubles, and their weight; pressed isorely on him just nhen. The chaglain was ofmn with him in these last days 0! his imprisonment; reading and praying with him, and doing his best: to build up in Lhe eparting jail bird those principles of honor and justice the want of which had curried him there. He'Vvas not wholly ex caged from work, but he was gently treated, and the Governor, being interested in him, set him to do certain odd jobs about his garden, and relieved his own kindly feelings by giving his laborer an occasional sur- repzitioua supply of bread and cheese and buar. Circumsnances alter cases. Fancy George Banka finding brand and cheese and beer luxurious 1 Think of him accepting the patronming presemmion of it. and being grab full ' â€"'.l‘urner, of Bramford, is shipping large quantities of his sonic hitters to Portage la. Emilie, Manitoba. The Scott act is in force there. Twig? â€"~ Some temperance pv-ople founfl 3. man in Paterson, N.J., who is 102 years old, hm they droppvd his acquamtance when they learded that he had bten a, moderate drinker for three quarters of a century and had always cheWed tobacco. He could not help their cause the way they expected. ‘- Get what you want, an’ get it good," he said ; and his young friend obeyed him. I‘m; outfitter kept one of those monstrous l modern establisuments at which you can buy anything, and would sell you a cradle or a. cofliu with equal willingness, and anything you might want in your journey out of one into the other. A tailor measured young Gearge, and a man in the shirt den partmenv. measured him, and a man in the boot; and shoe department measured him, and the customer ordered freely, as he would have done if the money to pay for them had bren his own. For there was old George at his elbow : " You'll want this; Mr. Banks,shan’t you?” “ Do you think so, sir T” he Would ask. ” Certainly. You must ha’ that," and so on, umil the rspenmut wretched George’s eyes were moist again behind his darkened glasses. and he had to blow the tear swollen now to hide his feelings. } benefactor bought a. pair of » dark lglarsrs for him With shades at the sides, and ‘insmted upon his wearing them to hide his leyes. The youngster submitted gratefully, lfur he felt nervous under the pressure of strange glances. He put himself under the lhands of a barber, and when chin and cheeks were cleared of their stubble, he began to look presentable again. There was a. sus~ picio’u of cold about his nose ; one might have set down the swollen aspect of that feature and the puller of his cheeks to in- fluenza. The two criminals took a private 51”ng room and a. double bedded sleeping apartment at the hotel, and old George looked his companion in the bed room whilst he himself went out to make enquiries re- specting the selling of .a. ship for Melbourne. Finding that a. first class steam vessel started on the thermal, calling at Queenstown only, and that there was still a suite room meant, he secured young George’s place. and. then returning, releused him and tOoli him out in the evening huriiedly to buy an outfit. For once in his life, be disregarded money. He felt reckless, and forcing himself to as- sume an 8.1.“ and voice of kindliness, he gave the exile csrie blanche. " I shall find you a outfit,” said Mr. Bus- hell, “as I’ve promised. I shaleay your passage out, an’ Ishall put two hundred pound in your possession when you start, so as you’ll have no ’casion m feel yourself ‘empted again. An’ now the world’s store you, Mr. Banks. Use it well an’it’ll use you well." “ How can I ever repay you, sir?” said the (ikgeplyfafiectfid Gem-g6. 1-1 will, sir,” brotested George; 9‘ I will, indeed." “ Do. than !” said the elder; until after that, they continued aheir journey in silence for the most part. Tue appearance of the released convict was so pecullar by reason of his tea that. on his arrival at, Liverpool his benefactor bought a. pair of » dark “ Scoâ€"p'nhuu snivellin’," cried the old man augnly “ Be a man, an' try to be worthy 0‘ my goofigesg (:9 you.” ' I: crossed his mind grimly that it might be no bad thing for him if young George turned criminal again out there. He wished him nothing worse than a new detecnion and a. life’s imprisonment. Hang him, the peabi~ ierous thieving young Rightful Heir! It came nanuml to hate him. “ I believe vou.” said old George stolidly. “or else I shonld’nt be amin’ as I am a acuin’. That you may be sure on, Mr. Banks; I repose impliclt confidence in your future well doin’.” on, and it would be suicidal to set such a. millslone about his own neck as the proclamaw lieu of himself as 3 released felon Would be’ sure to hang there. He would go this once into the house of the idol-he would be disin- genuous in this respect only, and after that he would be good and true and honest. He had had a rouglaish time of it; he had lost almost evorything 1n the world ; but for his employer‘s amalng and unlocked for benev- olence, he had lost all; and he was not gong to duregerd such a lesson as he had ‘rseeived; how was in possible that he could? ‘ But this particular new crime was necessary. ‘ lie must promise Whatever he was asked to promise, and than. being free, he must act lfur the best. After all, he would he only fulfilling his employer’s desires of him, and doing his best to pieserw an honest reputa- tion. It was a pay so be thus forced and compelled into a course Whle he wished to loathe and abandon. and he was quite sure th‘lt, if the new beseness had not been necessary, he would nevsr have dreamed of commiltingit. If apoor dewl is fOTCtd to lie, how can he help lying? Everybody must admit the cogency of. young George’s reasoning. “ I‘ve put it. for you as gentle 8.6 I could," pursued old George. “311’ an the same time as strong as I could. I’ve told 9111‘ it’s my belivf as you are to be relied upon, and I’ve given ’em my guaranpee for five hundred pound. So if you go wrong again Mr. Banks, you’ll be black indeed. You'd be a robbin’ me again. an‘ I don‘t think you’ll find the heart :0 do thatâ€"be as bad as you mightâ€"finer Wham I’ve (acne for you." AL 11118 George the younger wepb afresh. “ I implore you to believe me. 511'," he an- awered. "I would rather cut off my right hand than wrong you agmn by n farming,” He meant. it, but. he did not mean to go near Measrs. Nelly and Tuisun, of Melbourne, for all that. duranoe to weep on leavmg gaol; they did not even weep on going into it. if they were peop e of average pluck. Then, the chaplain hadrshaken hands with young George at the gate with n. heariy “ Good-bye, Mr. Banks," and both he and the Governor had raised their hats to old George whén he parted from them. Like olher people, the «Diver of the huck~carriage theorised, and when he had recn-ived hm fare, he fell into talk with a railway porter, to whom he sen forth how that pair was father an’ son they wos, 30’ had (men to the county gawl for to see a relation as was quodded thi er, an’ the youiig un he was than out up he'd been cryin’ fit to bust hisseif. an' what a pity It was as men as had a chawnce in life would pitch it away vulun» wry like. as a man might say. From which. utterancvs on Cabby’a part, I am disposed to think ihat, born in a. less fOrluuMe 5521mm of life, he might have given his imagination scope- professionally, and' have become a wriIer of fiction. Half a crown and a hint to the guard found Mr. Bushell and his grateful prorage an empty compartment in a. first class 031'. nage,aud secured privacy allthe way to Liverpool On the Journey the elder unfolded his scheme. “ I’ve wrote a’ready to Mdboume." he said, “an, I‘ve told ’em as I‘m a sendin’ you out; theer to give you anohhet chance.” " Then,” said the rescued one to himelf, “I shall not go near your agents in Melâ€" bourne," But; he only looked :13 his employ- er in a. meek and atrlcken air of gratetul humbleneas. The situation was singular; the young man chokeful of gratitude to the old man who was robbing him-47119 old man passing as a. benefactor to the man he was swind- ling on solarga a smile. And the young fellow, in the middle of his gratitude and his good resolves, playing the dexil with his own small soul again; and his Christian benefactor looksng at him and hating him like poison. Gabby, as he drove iimle suspected what a load he carried, for neithm‘ of his fares lookeullikea relaased felon. Gabby’s fancy was that the younger of his passengers had been to see arelalive who had misconducted himself. So far as heâ€" the cubmanmknew, it was not a habit amongst the classes her Majesty holds in ['10 BE CONIxNUEDJ