The less I hid myself, the more secure I seemed.

At last, however, they found me--it was a relief when they did.
"I acknowledged all, and was sentenced to penal servitude for fourteen years." "What!" I exclaimed, springing from my seat.

"You are--" "Hush!" said Mr Smith, pointing up to the ceiling, "you'll wake him.
Yes, I am, or I was, a convict.

Listen to the little more I have to say." I restrained myself with a mighty effort and resumed my seat.
"I was transported, and for ten years lived the life of a convicted felon.

It was a rough school, my boy, but in it I learned lessons an eternity of happiness might never have taught me.