Читать книгу Botany Bay, True Tales of Early Australia - Lang John - Страница 9

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After leaving the dead body, Mr. Cox rode to Fisher's house, in which Mr. Smith was living. Mr. Smith, on being informed of the approach of so exalted a person as Mr. Cox, one of the proudest men in the colony, came out to receive him with all respect and honour. Mr. Cox--who would not have given his hand to an "ex-piree" (under any circumstances), no matter how wealthy he might be--answered Mr. Smith's greeting with a bow, and then asked if he could speak with him for a few minutes. Mr. Smith replied, "Most certainly, sir," and, ordering a servant to take the magistrate's horse to the stables, he conducted his visitor into the best room of the weatherboarded and comfortable tenement. The furniture was plain and homely, but serviceable, nevertheless, and remarkably clean. The pictures on the walls formed a rather motley collection, having been picked up at various times by Mr. Fisher at sales by public auction of the effects of deceased officials. Amongst others were two valuable oil-paintings which had originally belonged to Major Ovens, an eccentric officer who was buried on Garden Island, in the harbour of Port Jackson. These had been bought for less money than the frames were worth. There were also some Dutch paintings, of which neither Mr. Fisher nor those who had not bid against him little knew the real value when they were knocked down for forty-two shillings the set--six in number!

"I have come to speak to you on a matter of business," said the magistrate. "Is the sale of this farm and the stock to be a peremptory sale? That is to say, will it be knocked down, bonâ fide, to the highest bidder?"

"Yes, sir."

"And the terms are cash?"

"Yes, sir."

"Sales for cash are not very common in this country. The terms are usually ten per cent. deposit, and the residue at three, six, nine and twelve months, in equal payments."

"Very true, sir, but these are Mr. Fisher's instructions, by which I must be guided."

"What do you imagine the farm will realise, including the stock and all that is upon it?"

"Well, sir, it ought to fetch £1,500 ready money."

"I hear that the whole of Mr. Fisher's property is to be sold, either by auction or private contract."

"Yes, sir."

"What will it realise, think you, in cash?"

"Not under £12,000 I should say, sir."

"One of my brothers has an idea of bidding for this farm; what about the title?"

"As good as can be, sir. It was originally granted to Colonel Foucaux, who sold it and conveyed it to Mr. Thomas Blaxsell, who sold it and conveyed it to Fisher. But as you know, sir, twenty years' undisputed possession of itself makes a good title, and Fisher has been on this farm far longer than that. All the deeds are here; you may see them, if you please, sir."

"There is no occasion for that; as Mr. Fisher's constituted attorney, you will sign the deed of conveyance on his behalf."

"Yes, sir."

"What is the date of the power of attorney?"

"I will tell you, sir, in one moment"; and opening a bureau which stood in one corner of the room, Mr. Smith produced the deed and placed it in Mr. Cox's hands.

With the signature of Fisher, Mr. Cox was not acquainted; or, at all events he could not swear to it. He had seen it--seen Fisher write his name, it is true; but then it was that sort of hand which all uneducated and out-door working men employ when they write their names--a sprawling round-hand. But as to the signatures of the attesting witnesses there could be no question whatever. They were those of two of the most eminent solicitors (partners) in Sydney--Mr. Cox's own solicitors, in fact.

"And the letter of instructions authorising you to sell by auction, for cash; for it says in this power, 'and to sell the same, or any part thereof, in accordance with such instructions as he may receive from me by letter after my arrival in England.'"

"Here is the letter, sir," said Mr. Smith, producing it.

Mr. Cox read the letter attentively. It ran thus:

"Dear Sir,--I got home all right, and found my friends and relations quite well and hearty, and very glad to see me again. I am so happy among 'em, I shan't go out no more to the colony. So sell all off, by public auction or by private contract, but let it be for cash, as I want the money sharp; I am going to buy a share in a brewery with it. I reckon it ought, altogether, to fetch about £17,000. But do your best, and let me have it quick, whatever it is.

"Your faithful friend.

"JOHN FISHER."

There was no post mark on this letter. In those days the postage on letters was very high, and nothing was more common for persons in all conditions of life to forward communications by private hands. As to the signature of the letter, it was identical with that of the power of attorney.

"All this is very satisfactory," said Mr. Cox. "Is this letter, dated five months ago, the last you have received?"

"Yes, sir. It came by the last ship, and there has not been another in since."

"Good morning, Mr. Smith."

"Good morning, sir."