Chapter I.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 182, 3 August 1871, Page 7

Chapter I.

I had known him from a boy ; we had been flogged together at school, we had been plucked together at college ; together we had entered London life ; together we had borne dissapointments and celebrated victories ; together we had sworn always to live, and determined to hold ever sacred the " love that passeth the love of woman." My name .was Smith, but with true Johnsonian wit he called me " Smy ; " his was Augustus de Vere, which it seemed almost profanity to shorten, as F did, into " Ogsry," and sometimes " Devy." No cloud had ever come between us before the dreadful day I write of; and that

But I anticipate. The London season was over ; De Vere had danced with such praiseworthy energy that his bootmaker's claims became considerable ; whilst I, who confined my gaiety principally to lounging in the park, had had differences with my tailor so serious as to render a short absence from England desirable.

Under these circumstances, I came one morning into his bedroom before he had arisen.

"Tomkins! some brandy and soda," I heard a voice, half stifled by the bedclothes, murmur.

" It is not Tomkins," I replied ;," and brandy and soda is bad for you. Listen !"

He turned lazily in his bed. " I won't listen without a brand "

" You shall ! " and I sat down upon his feet suddenly. " Ogty, I have au idea ! "

" Impossible ! " lie exclaimed, and appeared to wake up at this announcement. " We must go abroad." " Abroad— why ? " " Bootmaker — tailor — season over," "Well— where?" " Switzerland." " No — so infernally cockney." " Where, then ? " " Germany. I want to go to Bonn, to see a 'schlager' match. Is it on, Smy ? " " It is," I said, and we grasped each other's hands.

Thus was the first act played in the fearful darma I have to recount.