There--keep away from me, my lad." "Why ?" said Nic.
"Because I'm only a sort of two-legged animal, a machine to do your father's work.

I thought you knew." "That you are--" Nic stopped short.
"Yes, my lad--a convict, sent out of my country for my country's good." "I know now," cried Nic eagerly.

"I've heard--I was told on board.

You are sent up the country for good behaviour.

Then you are my father's assigned servant ?" The man stood looking down at him for a moment or two with his face full of wrinkles.