The Convict and the Soldier

by John P F Lynch

  Dawson sat looking at Edmund Keogh. He saw an angry elderly Irishman of peasant stock, who stood straight and proud.

  Lang suddenly realised who this man was, even though it had nothing to do with the watch incident, it would not be seen that way. It could be construed as a personal issue.

  Inspector Dawson decided that no useful purpose would be served by continuing the investigation further in Kyneton. He made a short summary, finishing with the comment, “Further investigations will be carried out in Melbourne and selected witnesses will be required to attend there.”

  He thanked the witnesses for attending, then stood up and left the room.

  Edmund left the room and walked out into the sunshine feeling content that he had his say, at long last. He waved to John who drove the gig over to him and they headed home.

  Inspector Dawson went back to his hotel to write up his report. He wished he had the opportunity to talk with Sub-inspector Moore before he left. No doubt the Melbourne office would accept his advice and re-interview them both. He believed the sergeant, as he had nothing to gain, but Mr Keogh’s comments made him wonder.

  The next morning he went to Lang’s office and bid his farewells. Dawson boarded the coach and headed back to Melbourne.

  On arrival in Melbourne Inspector Dawson went immediately to Deputy Commissioner White’s office. His knock on the door was followed by “Enter.”

  “Back already, Dawson. Was your trip successful?”

  “Yes and no,” he replied. “I still have some questions to be resolved and I am concerned the results will not be beneficial to the image of the force,” Dawson answered.

  “Sit down and brief me,” ordered White. Instead of dialogue he handed Deputy Commissioner White, a one page summary of the investigation.

  White read the paper twice. “Yes, I see. One — Why was the first charge withdrawn? Two — What instigated the search the next day? Three — How did or who put the watch in the coat pocket? Four — What was Lang’s involvement with Keogh’s son’s arrest? This clouds the issue of the watch. Five — Is Moore involved in the placement of the watch?”

  White commented, “I have watched Moore’s career for five years. I believe he is a good officer. What would he stand to gain by fraudulently placing the watch in Keogh’s pocket?

  “Also, I have received a letter from the shire president who has expressed disquiet over the Lang family after their son’s court case. I read between the lines that they would like Lang transferred as they see his image tarnished and they appear to have lost confidence in him.

  “I think your recommendation that both Lang and Moore be interviewed in Melbourne as soon as possible is correct. Please see to it. Well done and advise me when you have arranged the interviews. You and I will perform the interviews.” Dawson stood up and left the room.

  Lang and Moore both left the room with concerns about the investigation. Lang wondered if he would escape a censure for his handling of the case. Moore wondered if he would be blamed in some way over the watch search.

  ¶

  Dawson moved quickly and he sent letters to Lang and Moore the following day to attend the Melbourne investigation hearing at their first opportunity. Sub-inspector Moore was to be interviewed first as a courtesy to allow Lang to respond on any dubious points arising from the interview. Sub-inspector Moore left on the next morning’s coach for Melbourne.

  The interviews were held in Deputy Commissioner White’s office. After the normal pleasantries, White advised that the interview was being held to get to the bottom of the ‘watch search and locating’ incident. He explained that a magistrate had queried the police evidence and a resolution must be reached. He would chair the meeting but Inspector Dawson would conduct the interview. White would query as necessary and sum up the interview at the completion.

  “You have a copy of the transcript in front of you. I would like your comments on the search during which you found the watch,” Dawson said.

  Moore read the document and replied, “I can only reiterate what I said in the transcript. I cannot add any more.”

  Dawson then asked, “Did you know the history of the missing watch?”

  Moore replied, “No.”

  Dawson said, “Keogh obviously knew Lang from Ireland. Has he ever indicated to you that he knew him?”

  Moore said, “No, but when Keogh saw District Inspector Lang on the day of the search, there was obvious dislike towards Lang. But Keogh never said a word during or after the search.”

  Dawson turned to White and asked, “Do you have any questions, sir?”

  White replied, “Yes. Were the two constables near Keogh at any time in the room?”

  Moore answered, “No, they stood together in the far corner of the room.”

  White continued, “Think carefully before you answer this question. Did anything out of the ordinary occur from the time Keogh entered the office until the watch was found in his pocket by you?”

  Moore knew he had to say what he saw regardless of the outcome; his career was at stake. “The only thing that was unexpected was that District Inspector Lang dropped the coat behind the desk onto the floor.”

  “My final question to you is, how do you think the watch got into Keogh’s pocket?” asked White.

  Moore was ready for this question and said, “As a police officer I can only deal in facts.”

  White and Dawson both smiled. It was a good answer.

  White stood up and extended his hand to Moore. “Thank you. You may return to Kyneton. Have a good trip.” White turned to Dawson, nodded and then left the room. White went to Commissioner Zane’s office to relay the events of the Keogh case to date.

  It was late in the day so Moore stayed overnight and caught the early coach back to Kyneton, arriving mid-afternoon. He immediately went to Lang’s office to report back. He knocked on Lang’s door and entered. Lang looked up from some papers on his desk and nodded.

  Moore spoke first. “I’m reporting back, sir.”

  Lang asked, “How was the interview? Is there anything new I should know about?”

  Moore answered truthfully, “No, they just went over the transcript again.”

  Lang said, “Good. I’ll go down on the first coach tomorrow. Dismissed.”

  ¶

  District Inspector Lang arrived at Police Headquarters. He was not in the best mood. Virginia had been asking him when they would be returning to their home in England. Frederick’s folly had unsettled their confidence in their image in Kyneton and they were arguing constantly. Perhaps this meeting would decide their future.

  Deputy Commissioner White greeted him and walked to his office where Dawson was already seated. Lang and Dawson shook hands and White invited them to be seated.

  The meeting was conducted in the same manner as for Sub-inspector Moore.

  Dawson started with, “You have the Keogh case transcript in front of you. Do you have anything more to add regarding the watch search?”

  Lang quickly scanned the document and said, “No, I believe the transcript is a true and accurate record of the case.”

  Dawson asked, “What do you know of the history of the watch?”

  Lang replied, “The watch was stolen at the Agriculture Show several months ago. It had very distinctive engravings which the owner supplied to us as a drawing.”

  Dawson continued, “It seems obvious that Mr Keogh knew you in Ireland. Would you care to tell us how?”

  Lang knew that his answer would cloud the Keogh watch case but he had no choice. He decided to keep his answer as simple as possible.

  He started, “It wasn’t until Keogh mentioned, during Inspector Dawson’s investigation, that his son had been transported as a convict that I realised he was a Keogh from County Clare where I had served with the British Army. Prior to that outburst I had not associated him with my service in Ireland. I do recall an incident where his son, Michael Keogh, interfered with a constable’s horse during an eviction I attended. But I recall littl
e else.”

  “My last question to you — Can you offer any further explanation as to how the watch was found in Keogh’s pocket?” asked Dawson.

  Lang answered, “No, I have given it much thought and can offer no explanation.”

  Dawson looked inquiringly at Deputy Commissioner White, who said, “Thank you, Dawson.”

  “Lang, I need to raise another issue. I have received a “letter from the shire president, signed by all councillors. The letter expresses concerns as to whether you should continue in the position of district police inspector following your son’s conviction. This letter and the Keogh case anomalies are of concern to me.” White stopped and continued looking at Lang.

  Lang knew he was expected to answer White’s statement. He thought for a while. Were they expecting him to defend himself, ask for a transfer or offer his resignation? “Sir, may I have time to consider my response to your comments?” asked Lang.

  “Yes that’s a good idea; it’s time for a break. We will meet again in one hour’s time.”

  White stood up and left the room. He already knew what the deputy commissioner wanted.

  Lang left the building and walked to a nearby hotel, ordered a drink and sat in a quiet corner. How should he respond? Was this to be the finale of his career? He was independently comfortable. He owned a working farm and had a reasonable bank account in England. Would he enjoy being an English gentleman, a man of note in the local village? Perhaps he could become a justice of the peace and act as the local magistrate. What could he expect if he stayed? Obviously he would be encouraged to transfer. He could not remain in Kyneton if the leaders of the shire had expressed concerns about him continuing in his role as district police inspector. Others in the community could also be of the same opinion. Possibly his senior officers may have lost confidence in him.

  Then there was Virginia to consider. He knew she wanted to return to their home. Suddenly he decided. He was too old to have to tolerate any further situations as this. He would resign forthwith.

  He walked back to the police building and requested a pen, paper and envelope from the duty officer. He wrote his resignation without any explanation being mentioned. He realised the irony of the fact that the mention of his involvement with the Keogh’s had now indirectly forced him to resign and ultimately finish his career.

  Lang knocked on Deputy Commissioner White’s office door and entered. White and Dawson were idly discussing the Melbourne weather.

  White indicated to Lang to be seated.

  “Gentlemen, I believe that the result of this investigation will involve my future in the force. I have given this matter some thought and, to cut matters short, I have decided to submit my resignation effective forthwith and I trust that you will accept it.”

  White accepted the envelope handed to him by Lang. After reading the letter he handed it to Dawson without comment.

  Dawson read the letter and asked, “Do you want more time to consider your resignation?”

  Lang shook his head. “No, I have had sufficient time and I know my wife wants to return to our home in England. My decision is final.”

  White and Dawson both stood up and shook his hand.

  White said, “I wish you well and a safe trip. Could you join us for dinner before you return to Kyneton? We will sort out the administration of you resignation tomorrow.”

  Lang said, “Yes, I would be delighted to have a farewell dinner with you. I have enjoyed your command.” Little did Lang know that the commissioner would have requested his resignation if it had not been offered.

  Lang returned to Kyneton the next day as a civilian. He went to the barracks to clean out his office and hand a letter to Sub-inspector Moore which advised him that he was now the acting district inspector. This letter, in effect, exonerated him of any misdoings in the Keogh case.

  Paul Lang returned home as soon as he cleared his office. When he told Virginia that he had resigned she started crying with delight. Within two days she had all their personnel effects packed ready to return to England.

  ¶

  Michael’s week had begun well. He had received two letters; one was from Patrick telling him he had located Mary Kirwan through a friend he worked with from Limerick. Patrick had forwarded Michael’s money and his request for her to visit Kyneton. Michael was delighted. He opened the second letter, the contents of the first one still on his mind, to find the second letter was from Mary herself.

  She wrote a good letter. It was both interesting and informative. Yes, she would come to Victoria and if she liked the country would consider staying. This was good news; perhaps they could share the farm and keep it intact.

  She had been living in Limerick since her husband had died, and her only relative was a married sister-in-law. Michael could read between the lines of her loneliness. Perhaps she could find happiness in a new land. He wondered how long it would be before she arrived.

  ¶

  Brendan received a note from William McMahon to meet him, at the Carlsruhe Bridge four miles from Kyneton, with Michael Somerset. Brendan and Michael arrived early and were sitting on the ground throwing stones in the river and chatting. Brendan said he had a surprise for him but did not elaborate.

  A horseman cantered towards them. They both stood up, warily eying the incoming rider.

  Then Brendan relaxed as he recognised the rider. “Here is your surprise.”

  The rider dismounted and walked towards them. He shook Brendan’s hand and turned to Michael. “We meet again.”

  Michael recognised his face but couldn’t place him.

  “I’m William McMahon but you met me as Captain Irish.”

  Michael laughed. “Yes, I remember you now. What is this all about?”

  William went to his horse and returned with the old wheat bag. “I believe that this is your father’s property.” He placed a linen wrapped package on the ground at his feet.

  Michael knelt down and opened the linen covering and after seeing the cape and the enclosed sword he rose and stood speechless. Was this a dream?

  “I have repaid my debt to you,” said William.

  “Yes, a thousand times over. I won’t ask how you did it, but you have done Ireland a great service.”

  Captain Irish turned, mounted his horse waved. “Remember me.” He rode off south towards Mount Diogenes.

  The meeting had lasted about ten minutes. Michael had trouble believing his dual good fortune for the week. But his good fortune was to continue. On their way back to town, Brendan told him how the sword had been found and his involvement in its recovery. Michael had a good friend in Brendan. He would be forever grateful to him.

  The next week a letter from Maeve arrived, who wrote that she and their father were in the colony and that she was now married to John Hall. The best news was that they lived near Kyneton. What an extraordinary month! He soon found out where their farm was and decided to visit Sunny Lodge on the coming Sunday.

  On that morning, he collected flowers from the garden and dressed in his best clothes. He even polished his boots and saddle. He had groomed the horse the previous day. He headed off down the road mid-morning and expected the trip to take about an hour.

  ¶

  Michael sat on the hill and looked down at Sunny Lodge. John’s father had taught him well as he had selected a good site. Lush green grass abounded with stands of large gum trees on a hill. It had good water with the dams all full. White smoke was curling into the clear sky and he could see two people walking back to the farmhouse. He allowed the horse to set his own pace while he took in the farm sights — the sheep, the cattle and the crops; it looked profitable.

  The two people walking to the house had stopped and were looking towards him. He could now see they were a man and a woman. His mouth was dry and his heart was beating faster as he recognised Maeve and John. He waved to them and urged his horse to a trot.

  Maeve shouted, “Michael,” and started to run to meet him. He stopped his horse, jumped to the grou
nd and hugged her for a long time. She was crying for joy as Michael kissed her on the cheek.

  Stepping back he said, “You look lovely. Victoria is good for you.”

  John stood back smiling at them and their happiness. He took the horse’s bridle and gave it to Connor to lead the horse to the stables.

  They walked to the house together without speaking. Michael released one hand and greeted John. Inside the house the three of them started talking at once. Then Maeve looked at the doorway and saw Edmund standing there, crying.

  Michael kissed his father on the brow and sat next to him.

  John said, “I’ll tell the cook we have a guest for lunch.” When he returned he said, “Michael, you talk first. Tell us your story of your experiences.”

  Michael started with the voyage from Cork and stopped only when he was going to tell of the sword. He excused himself and went to the stable to collect a parcel for his father.

  When Michael returned he asked a table to be cleared. He then unwrapped the linen covering and laid out the cape and the sword. Then he stood back from the table, looking at his father and then John. Neither his father nor John said a word.

  John eventually picked up the sword and said to Michael, “You have had an exciting life. I’ll be interested to hear how you recovered these treasures.”

  Michael said, “That is a secret that will remain with me for the rest of my life.” His father had picked up the cape and was holding it reverently. He could not believe that the treasures were back in his care. He carefully wrapped them in the linen covering and went to his room with them. He stayed there until lunch was called.

  Michael completed his story telling them of the possibility of Mary Kirwan coming to Victoria. Lunch time had arrived. He sat between his father and Maeve and listened while they spoke of their voyage, and his father’s court case. They spoke affably with laughter. He could see that they were both happy here with John and that they enjoyed their new lifestyle.

  John was the next to talk. He was reluctant to go into depth but generally he conveyed the story of his court martial, the voyage and his time in Victoria. He did not mention his meeting with District Police Inspector Lang; it would have achieved no purpose.