He tore at the piece of Barretts which I handed him, as ravenously as a wild beast. It seemed to have the effect of soothing his nerves, for he settled himself down in the bed and re-assumed his former deprecating manner.
You wouldnt like it yourself, you know, doctor, he said: its enough to make any man a little queer in his temper. Im in for six months this time for assault, and very sorry I shall be to go out again, I can tell you. My minds at ease in here; but when Im outside, what with the government and what with Tattooed Tom, of Hawkesbury, theres no chance of a quiet life.
Who is he? I asked.
Hes the brother of John Grimthorpe, the same that was condemned on my evidence; and an infernal scamp he was, too! Spawn of the devil, both of them! This tattooed one is a murderous ruffian, and he swore to have my blood after that trial. Its seven year ago, and hes following me yet; I know he is, though he lies low and keeps dark. He came up to me in Ballarat in 75; you can see on the back of my hand here where the bullet clipped me. He tried again in 76, at Port Philip, but I got the drop on him and wounded him badly. He knifed me in 79, though, in a bar at Adelaide, and that made our account about level. Hes loafing round again now, and hell let daylight into me unless unless by some extraordinary chance some one does as much for him. And Maloney gave a very ugly smile.
I dont complain of him so much, he continued. Looking at it in his way, no doubt it is a sort of family matter that can hardly be neglected. Its the government that fetches me. When I think of what Ive done for this country, and then of what this country has done for me, it makes me fairly wild clean drives me off my head. Theres no gratitude nor common decency left, doctor!