On my way to Liverpool, I took the route by Birmingham--with the
intention of breaking my journey in the latter city.
I had two reasons for this. I wanted to see the great city of iron
foundries; and, still more, my old mate--Brown, the convict--who had
worked along with me on the diggings of Avoca.
The morning after reaching Birmingham, I went in search of the place,
where Brown had told me to enquire for him.
Just before his departure from the diggings, he had seen a man fresh
from Birmingham; and had learnt from him, that a young fellow--with whom
he had once been acquainted--was then keeping a public-house formerly
much frequented by his father.
The old convict had said, that from this tavern keeper he should be able
to learn all about his family; and had directed me, in case of my ever
coming to Birmingham, to inquire for himself at the same address.
I found the tavern without much trouble. It was what might be called,
either in Birmingham or Glasgow, a "third class" public-house; but would
not have been licensed for such a purpose in any other city.
I saw the landlord; and requested him to give me the address of "Richard
Brown." After some hesitation, my request was complied with.
On proceeding to the place, I had the good fortune to find my old mate
at home.
I had no occasion to regret paying him this visit: for the happiness it
seemed to cause him, was worth making a long journey to confer.
"You are the only one," said he, "to whom I told my story in the
colonies. You remember with what little hope I returned home; and I
know you are just the man to be pleased at what I have to tell you."
"I am certainly pleased," said I, "at what I already see. I find you
living in a quiet, comfortable home; and, to all appearance, contented."
"Yes," joyfully answered Brown, "and I am all that I appear, even more
happy than you can imagine. But I must tell you all about it. On my
return, I found my mother still living, and in a workhouse. My brother
was married; and had a large family--fighting, as he and I used to do,
against death from starvation. I did not go to my mother in the
workhouse. I did not wish to meet her there, in presence of people who
could not have understood my feelings. After learning that she was
there, I took this house; and furnished it on the same day. My brother
then went to the workhouse, took our mother out of it, brought her here,
and told her it was her own home, and that everything she saw belonged
to her. He then explained the puzzle--by bringing us together. The
poor old lady was nearly mad with joy; and I believe that I was at that
moment the happiest man in England. I am not certain, but that I am so
yet. The pleasure I have had in placing my mother beyond the reach of
want, and in aiding my brother--who only required the use of a few
pounds, to enable him to make a comfortable living--has far more than
repaid me, for all the hardships and sorrows of the past."
Before I parted from him, Brown opened a door, and called to his mother,
requesting her to come in.
When she entered the room, I was introduced to her, as a friend who had
known her son in Australia. She was a respectable-looking woman, about
sixty-eight years of age; and her features bore an expression of
cheerfulness and contentment that was pleasant to behold.
"I am greatly pleased to see thee," said she, addressing herself to me,
"for thy presence here tells me, that my son had friends amongst
respectable people when far away."
I took this as a compliment; and was as polite to her, as I knew how to
be.
Brown informed me, that he was then engaged in the hay and corn
business; and was making a little money--enough, he said, to prevent the
gold-dust he had brought home with him from getting scattered.
Notwithstanding what he had done for his mother and brother, he expected
to find himself at the end of the year worth as much money, and a little
more, than when he landed in England.
I know not what others may think of the incident here described; but I
felt upon parting from Brown, that it had been worth all the trouble I
had taken to call upon him; and I will, at any time, again undergo the
same trouble to be present at a similar spectacle.
Under the guidance of my old mining partner, I visited many of the great
manufacturing establishments of Birmingham; and, after seeing much to
cause me both wonder and admiration, I proceeded on my journey to
Liverpool.
Volume Three, Chapter XXX.