Some years ago Henry Lawe joined the Royal Navy as a carpenter's
mate. While on the Australian Station he deserted, but was arrested,
homeward bound, at Malta. Here, while waiting for a ship to return
him to Australia, he made the acquaintance of a young woman, a lady's
companion. A warm friendship quickly ensued, which developed into
something more romantic, and before long there was an "understanding"
between the pair. At this juncture, however, a light cruiser bound for
the Antipodes put into the harbour, and the deserter Lawe was sent back
to Sydney.
Life in His Majesty's ships on the Australian Station was quite
uncongenial to him, so he deserted for the second time. He worked at
his old trade in an assumed name, and prospered. Meanwhile letters were
passing between himself and his lady of Malta. Before anything definite
had been settled war broke out, and--a free pardon being granted to
all deserters--Lawe joined the Australian Army Corps as a private in
the 15th Battalion. In due course he reached the Dardanelles, where he
was wounded in the knee. By a stroke of good luck the hospital ship
on which he sailed for home, instead of putting her wounded ashore at
Alexandria, steamed straight through the Mediterranean. Nearing Malta,
wireless signals were picked up which instructed the vessel to land
her wounded on the island, as it was dangerous for ships to proceed up
the English Channel on account of drifting mines.
Private Lawe was put ashore at Malta, and lost no time in endeavoring
to get into communication with his fair correspondent. She had,
however, left her situation, and to his grief he was unable to trace
her whereabouts.
It happened a few days later that an admiral's daughter visited the
hospital and, hearing part of Lawe's story, took an interest in him.
Finding that the crutches he was using were hurting his arms, she
purchased a specially comfortable pair for him at her own expense.
These she sent to the hospital by her companion.
The sequel? Well, you have, no doubt, guessed it. The young lady's maid
was Lawe's little maid, and so the lovers were united again.