A LITERARY VAGABOND.

Evening Star, Issue 3391, 3 January 1874, Page 2

A LITERARY VAGABOND.

(From the Southern Mercury.) A prisoner named Cairns, who is an inmate of Lawrence gaol, where he awaits trial at the next Criminal Sessions there, lately made an attempt to relieve the authorities of his presence by breaking out. He so far succeeded as to remove a few bricks from a window-sill—-a matter which need not excite any'surprise, if it be true, as we are assured it is, that the walls are built of condemned bricks bedded in sand. But the gaoler was too vigilant for him, and his attempt at an escape only resulted in his being more closely confined. The fellow made so sure of success that, in anticipation thereof, he considerately wrote a farewell letter to the gaoler, Sergeant T itchener. This document we have seen. It is unique of its kind. -At the top of the page there is a pen-and-ink drawing of a winged female figure holding a wreath Cnderneath is the following precious efftuqpg. Tuapeka, Dec. 20, 1873, TO-MORROW. What is lif, hut a struggle with sorrow, A combat in which we are tried. Oar lives we may lose are the morrow j Then where is pur strength and our pride. Mv Dear Mr Titchener— I am greived to the hart to leave you, but the best of friends must part; so must we. I must imbrace freedom pnoe more, and tak better care of it for the future. - After Christmas i-wlll come and see you, believe me. ‘ Remember me to all my enquiring friends. Friends will meet, but hills and hollows will never meet. I send my best respects to you, Sargent. Believe me To Be Yours trqly disohidiint, Foot Constable, Lawrence.