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The Two Lawyers: A Novel

Chapter VI

Chapter VI.

We must now return to Van Dieman's Land, and poor Matthew Grant, in order to give some explanation as to how Hobart got Clara away.

On the morning following the night on which Grant imparted to Clara the story of his troubles in England, the old man, as usual went to his daily employment, for he was an assigned hand to one of the holders of a sheep run. Now, it so happened that he was sent early that morning to do some business in Launceston, which would take him all that day and part of the next. The same evening a barque was to sail from Hobart Town to Melbourne, and Hobart, being aware of these circumstances decided to take advantage thereof. Accordingly, about 9 a.m., he made his way to the hut of Matthew Grant, where, of course, he found Clara alone.

After the usual exchange of words, Hobart said, "Clara, you know I love you, for I have oftimes told you. You know also that I would at any time do anything to save you, and now I am in a dilemma. Your father and I last night had a few words when I pressed my suit for you, but still I did not think there existed any animus between us. I was mistaken, however, for early this morning he came over to my place of business, and luckily there was no one in the front office. He made his way straight through to the office I always occupy, but unfortunately I was not there. Our chief, Mr Lorridge, was sitting at my table correcting some lease proofs, and your father with one bound, evidently thinking it was me, struck him from behind, page 47before I could interfere. I came in just at the time he knocked him senseless at my feet. When he discovered his mistake he seemed perfectly powerless, so I said to him, 'Fly, Matthew, go home, and to your work us usual, and I will not divulge to a soul what has occurred; and if I should ever again seem to you other than a friend think how I am saving you now.' Your father clasped me by the hand and thanked me as well as he could, and then departed. When Mr Lorridge shortly after came round he asked who it was that had assaulted him. I tried to make him believe I did not know, and at this he became more excited, and asked if anyone had been seen to leave the office. But no one had, and Lorridge even then went so far as to assert his belief I was the guilty party. I, of course, at once denied all knowledge, and in consequence we had rather a stormy time. However, to be brief, we decided to part, and I am now deprived of my chance of succeeding to a partnership. All this has happened to me from my saving your father; and just, too, as I have been called to the Bar."

"Oh, John," Clara said, "how shall I ever thank you for this great sacrifice? Only ask of me anything, and you shall not ask in vain."

"If you really mean what you say," answered the crafty John, "fly with me and be mine. A barque now lies at the pier at Hobart Town; we can secure a passage by her, and when we reach Melbourne we can be married, and you shall never regret your step."

"Oh, John, I know not what to do; why not go on yourself, and leave me to explain and follow you?"

"I will not stir one step without you, Clara. You know how I love you, and what a sacrifice I have made for you and yours, Say, will you fly or no?"

"Oh, John, how you try me. I know how much I wish to show my gratitude. Then, again, oh! how I long to stay and assure my father that I go to save him."

page 48

"If you wish to do as you say, write a brief note just simply telling him that you go to save him, and that you will let him know more from you when you reach your first destination. Do this, and you save him, stay, and I too stay; and before I can again enter any office here I must explain my conduct, and if I do so your father will be taken, tried, and with his former conviction he will assuredly be hanged. Your father will understand all, and will never blame you. Choose between the two, Clara, and at once."

The poor girl, believing all, thought for a few brief seconds, and then exclaimed: "John, I will, and if I do wrong may God forgive me."

The rest is soon told. Before they came to Timaru they went to Melbourne; but John Hobart never intended to marry the unfortunate girl, for he knew that he dare not—the reason will be explained hereafter. After a life of poverty and other degradation for two years, they wandered through Victoria, and ultimately wended their way to where the reader first met them. It need not be said that the tale Hobart told Clara about her father was but the concoction of his subtle brain, for no such scene ever occurred. The truth was that Hobart, after leaving Clara and her father on the memorable night, paid a visit to one of the low gaming hells, which are very plentiful in both Hobart Town and Tasmania. Here he played until he not only lost all his own money, but also some belonging to the firm by whom he was employed; and, instead of going to the office in the morning as usual, he sent a note saying he was confined to his bed by illness, and would not be able to attend. As the reader knows, he never went again, but under an assumed name left the Colony. Had poor Clara known all this, her lot might have been much happier. But such is life! In the time to come John Hobart may find some thorns in the bed which he now thinks he is going to make of roses.