They appeared to be, all of them, in excellent spirits, and to judge from their demeanour, lively conversation, and the occasional fits of laughter, anybody would have come to the conclusion that it was a holiday party of pleasure-seekers, instead of being convicts about to be transferred to a penal gaol.
Peace recognised among his companions many faces that were well known to him.
One young man, who in every respect was superior to the rest, particularly attracted his notice.
He was a stranger to our hero; but there was a sad and thoughtful expression on his features which enlisted Peace’s sympathy.
He was very handsome, and did not appear to be more than twenty years of age.
He had been town traveller for a wholesale City house in London, and, unfortunately for him, got mixed up with a fast set of young men about town, and contracted habits of extravagance.
He was introduced to an actress, “fair but frail,” and became fascinated with her charms to such an extent that the salary he received was not commensurate to supply her wants.
She persuaded him to try his fortune on the stage. He was under the impression, poor young man, that he had all the requisites to ensure success, but soon found out, however, that it takes years and unwearied industry to climb the ladder which leads to dramatic fame.
The sequel may be readily guessed. He embezzled a considerable sum of money from his employers. He was prosecuted by the firm—they said, “for example sake,”—and he was sentenced to five years’ penal servitude.
He was irretrievably ruined. While in prison he listened to the counsel of several hardened offenders, who schooled him for a career of crime and vice.