“Indeed, indeed, I will,” sobbed Nan, “if only that I may feel your heart is at ease about me, Nick.”
“My Nan! my Nan!” he cried brokenly. “Oh! take her away, Miss Challice, whilst I am master of myself, and may God bless you for all your goodness to her.”
And so my sister Margaret took the poor girl home to the hospital, where she was well provided for and guarded against all temptation. And Nick sailed for the Colonies, clad in his convict dress.
Poor Nan! poor Nick! I felt for them both so much, that I wouldn’t have stolen her heart from him, not if I had been able. But I’ve never forgot her, nor my love for her, you see, to this very day. Only may all the Fates keep this here confession out of my wife Deborah’s hands.
Charles Challice.
EVE THE FOURTH.
STATEMENT OF ARTHUR ROWAN, WARDER ON BOARD THE CONVICT SHIP “IRONS,” CONCERNING A PRISONER WHO QUELLED A MUTINY AND WAS AFTERWARDS RELEASED.
By GEORGE MANVILLE FENN.
