Three times did the convict stop his cart to supply some little luxury to the invalids; and while he declined payment for his refreshments, it did not prevent him from requesting the sick men to say, when they reached Melbourne, that they had been befriended by himself.  We were struck by this peculiarity, and as soon as the team’s moved on, we resolved to inquire the reason.

“Why are you so particular that those men should mention your name for the charities that you perform?” asked Fred.

Smith smiled, but it was of the melancholy sort of mirth, and did not come from his heart.  He hesitated, as though considering whether he should make a full expression or reserve his confidence.  At length he said,—­

“I told you that I was sentenced to transportation for ten years.  Five of them have passed, and I am at liberty to trade on my own account, yet liable at any moment to be remanded back to my old station, and work worse than a slave on the docks, or at any menial employment.  I have so far managed very well.  I have saved money, and own shares in the Royal Bank of Melbourne, besides two good houses that are paying me a large percentage.  The property is mine, and government cannot touch a penny of it; yet I would willingly give all that I possess to be at liberty to call myself a free man, and to know that I am no longer watched by those in power.  When I received my sentence I determined upon the course I would adopt.  I never murmured at my work, no matter how disagreeable it was—­I was respectful and obedient, and after a year’s hardship I was favorably reported at head quarters, and was then allowed to live with a man who kept cattle, and had made a fortune as a drover.  I served him faithfully for two years, and upon his report I was allowed a ticket of leave, and commenced business for myself.  I am comparatively a free man; but if any unfavorable report should be heard concerning me, farewell to my present liberty.  For five long years I should be used like a brute, and before my term expired I should be in a felon’s grave; for a man must possess a constitution of iron to endure the tasks that are inflicted upon a convict remanded back to the tender mercies of overseers whose hearts are harder than the ball and chain which many of their prisoners wear.”

“And you really think that the relief you afford to those returned miners will be heard of, and that it will mitigate your sentence?”

“Certainly.  The poor fellows will go to the hospital, and while there I shall be held in grateful remembrance.  The physician will hear of my name, and one of these days I hope to receive a full pardon.  But whether I do or not, I shall be conscious that I have done my duty, and in some measure atoned for the crime that I committed.”

Smith cracked his long whip to let the oxen know that he was not asleep, and the cattle, rousing from their snail pace at the sound of the scourge, accelerated their steps, and strained at their yokes as though they would tear them from their necks.