THE CONVICT'S AFTER-CAREER. THE CONVICT'S AFTER CAREER. COLONEL MUNDY, in his highly amusing and important work "Our Antipodes,' amongst other effective sketches, hits off very graphically the frequent career of the transport, from a state of abject pauper crime to that of wealth and independence. He says: "He offends against his country's laws, is sent out,' is assigned to service, gets his ticket-of-leave, finally his conditional or free pardon; or becomes free by servitude of his sentence. He takes a publichouse, dabbling meanwhile in various other money-making pursuits. He buys up cattle when the market is down, when their value might be reckoned by shillings, and sells them when ten or twelve pounds may be their price. He lends money on good security, and at usurious interest. He builds, buys, and sells houses. In the height of his prosperity, his house-rental alone brings him in £120 a-week; for, liking quick returns, he counts his income hebdomadally. He purchases shares in a great banking establishment, well known although not openly designated as the Emancipists' Bank, a most safe and respectable house, (the writer banked there himself.) He possesses huge storehouses in the city, a beautiful villa in a fashionable suburb. Gorgeous is the only term I can apply to his furniture,' remarked to me one day a high functionary who had rented the house of an 'old hand' for a period, but whom the wealthy owner had turned out at the close of the lease. He drives a splendid equipage, flashing with silver harness and new varnished panels, and a fast trotting pair of bays, with which he takes pleasure in passing and dusting the government officers and other less opulent respectables on their way to church. The above is no fanciful portrait. It is from nature." But amongst this class of offenders there are not wanting instances of an entire change of character, accompanied by the most astonishing display of high principle and determination. The following is adduced as affording a satisfactory example in connexion with the curious position of wealthy emancipated crown prisoners. 85 "[John Roe*] was not only transported for a heinous offence, but, while under probation, had the character of the most unruly and incorrigible of the chain-gang he belonged to. Every kind of severity and indignity was heaped upon his obdurate spirit. He was sent to join a distant limeburning gang, where he was both worked and thrashed like a donkey, for his back was scored with frequent and severe applications of the 'cat.' He was whipped at the cart's tail through the streets of Sydney. Cockatoo Island, the convict blackhole of New South Wales, was only too good for him, and he was drafted as irreclaimable to that Pandemonium of the Pacific, Norfolk Island. Yet he reformed-who shall say through what agency? Perhaps the devil was whipped out of him. Perhaps reflection cast the foul fiend out-for the reprobate had a long head on those same fustigated shoulders. At any rate, in process of time, and by a mixture of good conduct, good luck and address, the branded and scourged felon became a wealthy capitalist. At the time of the general money-quake he fell like the rest-failing for an immense sum; I do not know the amount, but certainly not less than (probably twice as much as) £50,000. Unlike his compeers. in mischance, bond and free, who sheltered themselves in the Court [Bankruptcy], by a strong effort he succeeded in paying up twenty shillings in the pound; and having. thus reduced himself almost to beggary, he recommenced life undismayed, and with. that resolute energy which, ill directed, has formerly made him foremost among the bad. This man, like some others of his class, gave to his children the highest education England could furnish. He is the landlord of many of the aristocracy of Sydney, who find him both liberal and correct in his dealings. The calling he has adopted brings him into contact with persons of every grade. He is extensively employed by the Government, as well as by companies and individuals, and has always been cited as a punctual, respectable, and upright man of business-as well as a singularly *We substitute this for the real name, which. the author, for obvious reasons, has withheld.-Ed.. clever one, although, even in his old age, he can scarcely write his name. In the only transaction I had in the colony, involving several hundred pounds' worth of property, I deliberately selected this meritorious person from among several of the same profession possessing the highest qualifications of character and capacity. Since I made the above note, its subject has paid the debt of nature. parks, and contrived even to give personal offence to the most exalted personage of the realm in one of the royal demesnes. Of this I know nothing beyond report; but I have often noted with disgust_this man's shameless love of notoriety. Cock of the walk in gambling-houses, prize-fights, publican's races, &c. &c., it seemed to be his ambition to attract the attention and offend the prejudices of the higher and more In proof of the high estimation in which respectable classes in public places, where 'the long course of honourable and suc- of course he had freedom of entry. Robber, cessful pursuits' of this person was held by bully, and blackleg, he still continued to the public, a Colonial Journal distinguished maintain an unabashed front-such is the by its strict principles, in thus alluding to power of money and impudence. Yet this his career, mentions that the 'cortège' person is not a drunkard, dresses well, has attending his funeral consisted of nearly a a good house and handsome equipage; hundred carriages-perhaps the most nu-moreover, he has brought up his childrenmerous procession ever seen in Sydney on carefully and creditably; and has married similar occasions. The deceased left a them respectably. large and unencumbered property." The following may be given as a set-off as a sort of reverse to the foregoing picture : "Among the many emancipated prisoners whose circumstances enable them to live on terms of financial equality with the more wealthy of the free classes, as well as among the store and shopkeepers of the same order with whom I have come in contact, I must say that I have never witnessed any instance of prominently offensive conduct, except in the case of one notorious individual, who, alone among an ostracised class, seems to defy public opinion, and to push his vulgar assumption of importance into public notice. I will assist him in his object by giving here a slight sketch of his biography. This very 'swell' member of the swell mob was transported for robbing his Majesty's mail of a large sum of money; but before his apprehension, he found means to transfer the cash to his wife. She followed him to Sydney under a feigned name. And here arose one of the most glaring instances of the abuse of the system of the "assignment" of convicts ever known. He was assigned as a government servant to his faithful partner! It is not my object to follow the upward progress of this worthy couple; but opulence they, and freedom he, at length obtained. I do not vouch for the fact, but I have heard that since his manumission he visited England, drove a dashing four-in-hand phaeton in the The assignment of a husband to the service of his wife, placed them in a singular and awkward mutual relation. If he offended, she, by application to the nearest magistrate, could have him well flogged; and, for a more serious act of insubordination, sent to work in chains on the roads." DRAUGHTS. As a short introduction to the Game of Draughts, which is to form one of the novel features of our miscellany, it will be necessary to say a few words on the nature of that interesting game of the domestic circle. We hope the public will appreciate our efforts to minister to the healthy tone of the "Home Thoughts" of our readers, by bringing before them the interesting features of a national fireside amusement, which is purely a game of skill, and has always held a high place among the studious and reflective classes—and has done much to furnish a pleasing excitement, without taking us from our own hallowed circle of home, or engendering a love of gaming. In Scotland it is the game recognised in every household-and in England is fast taking the place of games of chance. As a recreation after manual labour or study, it is to be preferred to chess, for this simple reason: the excitement, though intense enough in critical situations, is not DRAUGHTS. KEY TO THE NOTATION OF GAMES AND SOLUTIONS OF PROBLEMS. 87 so continuous as in chess, a single game of which has frequently occupied from six to twelve hours. There are already several periodicals, some exclusively, others partially, devoted to Chess; but we submit, from the fact above cited, that it is not calculated so well for the social circle of home-nor yet so well adapted to the taste and the time of the great masses of sober thinkers, who require a relaxation in their leisure hours. Draughts, like chess-its elder and more aristocratic brother-has often been disparaged by the intolerant and uninitiated, as a waste of time. We hope we have already given our readers an earnest that we have no wish that opportunities of acquiring useful knowledge should be neglected-yet we contend for a due admixture of innocent amusement. Without, therefore, wishing to put either of these games in the place of other pursuits of learning and science, we are disposed to adopt the views of a reverend and learned gentleman, as expressed at the late Chess soirée in Yorkshire. He observed that "Insignificant as these pieces of wood and ivory might appear to the uninitiated, when marshalled on the chequered field, the relative positions which the opposing forces are made to assume are as pregnant with food for intense thought, and with as certain though remote consequences-as are the segments, squares, diagonals, &c. of the geometrician, when arranged with mathematical skill. In the one case we learn by a long chain of thought to calculate remote consequences; in the other, the sublimities of the science of geometry are brought intelligibly and tangibly before our senses; yet there is no critic so blind to the practical utility of the mathematician's sectional pieces or aids to thinking, as to offer any illnatured remarks on their toylike appearance; and we hope the time is at hand when this healthy stimulus to the reasoning powers will be better understood and appreciated." We have reason to know that the admirers of this game are vastly increased, and we feel we are rendering them a service in furnishing them with an organ of communication-and for chronicling the abstruser beauties of their favourite pursuit. To aid in this design, a gentleman who is well acquainted with the game has kindly offered to supply us with some novelties never before published, which will prove a great treat to those who take an interest in the game. The game is played on a chequered board, precisely similar to a chess-board; but instead of all the 64 squares being available to be played on, only 32 are used. And instead of 16 pieces of each colour, varying in value and capabilities of range as in chess, only 12 pieces or men are used, all of equal value and range. The board is placed between the players, with a black square on the right-hand corner of each player, provided the white squares are to be played on; but a white square, provided the black ones are played on. The black men being the first to move, are claimed alternately, and are supposed to occupy the squares numbered from 1 to 12; the white, 21 to 32. This being understood by all players, the Diagram numbered (as at p. 87) will facilitate the playing over of printed games, and illustrate the problems which we purpose giving in this work. This mode of notation is more simple than that used in chess, as 11 to 15, 22 to 18, 15 to 22, &c. The men are moved diagonally, never changing the colour of square to which they are moved; and each man, on reaching the top of the adversary's side of the board, is crowned, and is then eligible to move in either direction-still diagonally, and on the same colour of square. A capture is made by leaping over the man taken, and to effect this there must be a vacant square immediately beyond the piece to be taken. If a player shall neglect to capture a piece of his adversary, he is liable to have his own piece huffed, or taken off the board; but it is optional with the player claiming this privilege either to huff or to enforce the capture. Let this latter elause be borne in mind, as it is often a source of annoyance to those who may have to answer the queries of young players. In sending solutions to our problems our correspondents will please to be particular in their notation. To facilitate this we refer them to the blank form of board numbered 1 to 32, p. 87. Any one wishing to contribute problems we shall be glad to furnish with blank forms for the purpose. Correct solutions must accompany all the critical situations intended for publication. QUOTATIONS AND PHRASES. A COLLECTION OF QUOTATIONS AND PHRASES IN COMMON USE. 1. Latin-f. French-i. Italian-s. Spanish. AB initio, l. from the beginning. Action procès, f. action at law. Ad captandum vulgus, . to ensnare the vulgar. Ad extremum, Z. at the worse. Adhuc sub judice lis est, . the contest is stili before the judge; the dispute is undecided. Ad infinitum, l. to infinity. Ad kalendas Græcas. Never. Adieu la voiture, adieu la boutique, f. farewell the carriage and farewell the shop. Adieu pour jamais, f. farewell for ever. Adficietur malo, l. he shall suffer for it. Ad libitum, . at pleasure. Adolescentem verecundum esse decet, 1. a young man ought to be modest. Ad quod damnum, . to what damage. Ad referendum, . to be further considered. Ad scriptus gleba, l. attached to the soil. Ad valorem, l. according to the value. Afin, f. to the end. Agere gratias, l. to give thanks. Alia tentandia via est, l. another way A l'improviste, f. unawares. A merville, f. to a wonder. Amicus humani generis, . the friend of the human race. Amicus curiæ, l. a friend of the court. Amor patriæ, 7. the love of our country. Amour (ahm-oor), f. adove affair. Anglicè, . according to the English. Anguis in herba, . a snake in the grass. Animo furandi, . with the intention of stealing. Anno Domini, l. in the year of our Lord. Annus mirabilis, l. the wonderful year Ante hos sex menses, . six months ago. A posteriori, l. from the latter, from behind. A priori, l. from the former; from before. Apropos, f. to the purpose; opportunely. 89 Aqua fortis, . strong water; nitric Carte blanche, f. unlimited powers, acid. Arcanum, 1. a secret. Arcana imperii, 1. state secrets. Ardentem facem, 1. a lighted brand. Ardentia verba, l. glowing words. Argent comptant, f. ready money. Argumentum ad hominem, l. an argument to the man, which derives strength from personal application. Assumpsit, . (a law phrase), he took upon him to pay. Audentes fortuna juvat, l. fortune assists the bold. Audi alteram partem, . hear the other party. Audita querela, 7. the complaint being heard. Au fond, f. to the bottom. or one's own terms. Cede Deo, . yield to Providence. Certiorari, . (a law term) to be made more certain. Certum pete finem, l. aim at a sure end. C'est fait de lui, f. it is all over with him; he is a ruined man. C'est là le diable, f. that's the devil of it. C'est une autre chose, f. it is quite a different thing. Chacun à son gout, f. every man to his taste. Chef d'oeuvre, f. a master-piece. Champêtre (shalin-paytr), f. rural. Chasse cousin, f. bad wine given to drive away poor relations. A vinculo matrimonii, l. from the Château (shay-to), f. a country seat. dium. Auri sacra fames, 1. the accursed thirst of gold. Auto da fé, s. an act of faith. Bon gré, mal gré, f. with a good, or ill grace; whether the party will it or not. Bon jour, f. a good day. Bon jour, bonne oeuvre, f. the better day, the better deed. Bonne bouche, f. a nice morsel. Bonne et belle assez, f. good and handsome enough. Boudoir (boo-dwar), f. a lady's pri vate room. Brutum fulmen, Z. a harmless thunder bolt. Bulletin (bul-a-teen), f. an official report. Bureau (bew-ro), f. an office. CACOETHES carpendi, l. a rage for collection. Cacoëthes loquendi, l. a rage for speaking. Cacoëthes scribendi, . an itch for writing. Cadit questio, l. the question falls, or drops to the ground. Caisson (cais-soon), f. a chest or case. Canaille (can-ile),. the rabble. Capias, l. (a law term), you may take. Capias ad respondendum, . you take to answer. Capias ad satisfaciendum, l. you take to satisfy. Caput mortuum, . the dead head; the worthless remains. Caveat actor, . let the doer beware. Chevaux de frise, f. stakes sharpened at each end, and fastened by the middle across each other, to stop the progress of cavalry. Che sara sara, i. what will be, will be. Ci-devant (see-devahn), f. formerly. Clique (cleek), f. a party or faction. Cæteris paribus, . other things being equal. Commune bonum, l. a common good. Communia proprie dicere, 1. to ex press ordinary things with propriety. Communibus annis, l. one year with another. Comme il faut, (com-e-fo), f. as it should be. Compos mentis, 1. of a sound and composed mind. Concordia discors, l. a jarring concord. Con amore, i. with love. Congé d'élire, f. leave to elect. Connoisseur (con-a-sur), f. a skilful judge. Contra bonos mores, 1. against good manners. Contre fortune bon cœur, f. a good heart against fortune. Cornucopiæ, . the horn of plenty. Corps (core), f. a body of men. Corps diplomatique, f. the diplomatic body. Cor unum, via una, l. one heart, one way. Cortège (cor-taje), f. a train of attendants. Côterie (co-ter-e), f. a select party.. Coup (coo), f. a stroke or blow. Coup de main, f. a sudden or bold enterprise. Coup d'oeil, f. a quick glance of the eye. Coup de grace, f. a finishing blow. Courage sans peur, f. courage with out fear. Coute qui coute, f. let it cost what it may. Contour (con-toor), outline of a figure. Craignez honte, f. fear shame. Cras credimus, hodie nihil, . tomorrow we will believe, but nothing to-day. Credula res amor est, l. love is an affair of credulity. Cui bono. to what good. Cui malo? . to what evil. Cul de sac, f. where there is no thoroughfare. Cum multis aliis, . with many others. Cum privilegio, . with privilege. Custos rotulorum, . the keeper of the rolls, |