True History of the Kelly Gang

by Peter Carey

  The following day we was all in court when Hare and Nicolson once more played with justice they pushed it pulled it made it hop & jump and the Crown withdrew 2 more charges.

  Feeling obliged to offer something more I described our journey across the Great Divide down to Tambo Crossing. I claimed Harry were planning to flee the country from Eden on the coast of Gippsland.

  They wrote down what I said.

  Next day there was legal argument I could not fathom. Finally the Magistrate put me on remand to be took to Kyneton but when the Superintendents returned my sash and belt they transported me to Melbourne instead. They give me a curried egg sandwich which I ate in the coach while Hare and Nicolson drank their brandy and smoked their cigars. I asked them what would happen next but they would not say and I never showed them I were afraid.

  I expected to be transferred directly to Franklin Street in the cold blue stone citadel of Melbourne Gaol but instead were taken to a mansion in a Toorak street the night were filled with the sweet aroma of burning autumn leaves. Nicolson swung open the grand wrought iron gate Hare rung the bell and a handsome Constable in uniform appeared like he were a butler then I seen a mighty Turk rug stretching out before me it were blue and vermilion no one in my family could of imagined such a lovely thing I could not credit I were permitted to walk on it in my boots but Hare escorted me along its entire length and finally we come into a large room where gentlemen in long black coats was playing billiards they had ribbons and medals on their coats I could not predict what bad thing would happen to me here.

  You did not catch your fox then Superintendent?

  I have the pup Sir.

  Ah I see said a tall gentleman and he smiled at me and I saw the hurt and harm in him he were slim and dapper but his sharp teeth was crooked and stained as old piano keys.

  So you are Ned Kelly he asked me obviously he knew and there were no point in a reply.

  The prisoner will answer the Commissioner.

  I am Ned Kelly said I and the room went quiet.

  You stole Mr McBean’s watch.

  For answer I said I heard McBean swear on the Bible that I had not robbed him and I were sure a Magistrate like him would not commit a perjury.

  This Commissioner had not liked me at the start now he liked me even less. Well Ned Kelly said he I suppose you play a fair deal of billiards up at Eleven Mile Creek the men behind him was sniggering I said there were not a game I could not play and as for billiards I reckoned any boy who could shoot a running rabbit would do well enough with a white ball and stick.

  Ignorance makes you very cocky said he.

  Just give me one of them sticks.

  It is called a cue.

  Give it to me then you’ll see which one is ignorant.

  This come out as ruder than intended and raised his eyebrows very high. O dear says he what will we do with him?

  Whip him Sir. Thrash him etc. etc.

  Very well said the Commissioner I’ll play you billiards and if you win I will release you from all charges.

  I said that were very fair the gentlemen was still sniggering they thought me v. stupid they did not expect I had a sense of humour.

  But what if you lose Ned Kelly?

  Then you can have my handcuffs.

  The sudden laughter did not please the cove at all. If you lose he said you will forfeit Harry Power.

  I answered I did not trade in human flesh and the Commissioner’s face went very red said he I should thrash you severely.

  I said I were not a coward and would fight him man to man if that were what he wished.

  He then spoke so very close I could smell his dinner he said he would dearly love to burst my spleen but the dignity of his office forbade him touching criminals his spit were wet upon my face and there were a blaze showing in his eyes it were the fury of weak men.

  Supt Hare then brought in the Constable from the front door announcing this individual had volunteered to be the Commissioner’s nominee in other words the poor Constable would fight in his boss’s place. The gentlemen began immediately pushing the furniture back against the walls they rolled the rug back to mark a square in billiard chalk upon the floor.

  The Constable were 6 yr. my senior he had the advantage in both weight and reach but when he come out into the ring I struck him on the temple very hard. His head jerked back I felt the pain right through my arm but knew when I seen his eyes that his distress were greater. He ducked and shuffled very prettily but landed no decent blows so the audience began to barrack him for being a coward he were amiable and handsome but he had no taste for pain. When he come in again I got inside his reach landing to the neck the selfsame punch I give to Harry Power. My present opponent staggered holding his hands up to his injury. I then delivered the postscript at which he doubled over on the floor but the gentlemen would not let him off.

  Get up man get up and fight.

  Trying to finish him as humane as possible I struck him on the temple and he fell and knocked his head violently upon the skirting board his eyes was closed shut no one called for him to rise. Indeed the room become so very quiet and sour you could smell the shame as the English-men turned back to their brandy or remembered there was pretty ladies waiting in another room. As for me I were the winning dog but I got no prize I were put back in my bracelets then transported to Richmond Police Depot. And that were the extent of the Police Commissioner’s interrogation.

  Supt Nicolson ordered the Duty Sergeant to provide an extra blanket but then he went away leaving me to the charity of 2 turnip faced Irish Constables who did not even seem to know my name. They give me no blanket just pushed me into a dark wet courtyard where I caught a whiff of chaff & manure I therefore thought they planned to lock me in a stable.

  By lantern light I were relieved to see 2 empty cells side by side then I reminded the Irishmen to bring the blankets but they said they was not my effing servants and they thrust me in a cell. The floor were stone not earthen though the smell of fear and disinfectant were most unpleasantly familiar. Some time afterwards one of my gaolers returned reporting there was no blankets for all the bedding were sent to Coburg for disinfecting.

  I were still wearing my moleskins and red shirt the same light clothes in which I had been taken 5 days previous I were so cold my teeth were rattling like old Fratelli’s wooden dummy and my green sash proved little comfort to me here.

  A very long time passed until finally a bright light showed under the door I shouted I were cold.

  No reply.

  God help me mate whoever you are.

  Swear on the Virgin you will not jump me said a voice.

  I were promised a blanket said I.

  Stand back against the adjectival wall.

  Thinking they was going to bash me I stiffened up the sinews but then the door swung open and there stood the handsome Constable I had earlier defeated he were as pretty as a saint in a Holy Card the shining all around him his arms was full of blankets.

  Swear on the Virgin you won’t jump me said he his face were beastly bruised the skin all were broken on his brow.

  I swear on the Virgin.

  Spit twice.

  I done it.

  Good man said he delivering his burden to my cot. I fell upon the blankets straight away they was scratchy and smelled strongly of camphor but never were a rough embrace so comforting and kind.

  My name is John Fitzpatrick said he.

  Ned Kelly.

  I know he said placing his lantern on the floor then unwrapping v. carefully the newspaper from around a bottle which he swigged before wiping and passing to myself. I confessed I did not drink.

  You aint too young to start.

  Don’t like its taste.

  Good show said he placing his treasure gently beneath the crib then solemnly smoothing out the newspaper it had been wrapped in.

  If you jump me it would be the finish of my employment you must not do it.

  I won’t jump you no road.

 
Spit he said.

  I spit.

  Spit twice.

  I done so again.

  Good show he said smoothing the newspaper once more. I’ve been 2 months in this racket it aint perfect but its better than Mount Egerton. I could not bear that place again.

  He now folded the paper in 1/2 upon his knee then 1/4 and 1/8.

  You know Mount Egerton he asked mournfully.

  I don’t.

  Here he said and producing his dagger he sliced the paper along the folds. I thought this must be something to do with Mount Egerton but I were wrong.

  Its to wipe your bum he said you stick it on that nail there. Thats the spirit. Now could you find room for a little govt. meat?

  Whatever he were going to say about Mount Egerton was now forgot he cut the string on a 2nd parcel to reveal a whole leg of the Commissioner’s lamb then sat beside me on the cot and cut me hunks of pink meat it were cold and the fat v. crunchy and I thought him the best policeman I ever met and said I were sorry to have caused him a damage.

  He said I were the best adjectival fighter he had ever engaged and being the Welterweight Champion he should know. He said he liked the adjectival moment I offered to whip Commissioner Standish and would gladly suffer any number of beatings to see that look I put on the b– – – – – d’s adjectival face.

  Dear daughter I know your mamma kept many newspaper clippings relating to the so called KELLY OUTRAGE if they aint been burnt by now you will be able to consult the photograph of this Fitzpatrick’s younger brother Alex it were him who introduced me to your mother. In the photograph Alex shows you his strong legs and big hands but his mouth is the size of a rabbit’s bum. The man who came to my cell were a more expansive spirit and he lit a cigar he had stolen from the Commissioner’s table. He prayed to God each night he said to keep him forever from Mount Egerton. He swore if I looked into his eyes I would see the district’s dreadful naked hills reflected back. I saw no hills only a generous soul and I can only say I liked him.

  I asked why he would take this risk on my behalf.

  Listen to me Ned said he you are a good and plucky boy you are straight as a die as far as I can see. But these officers will squash you when they don’t need you which will be very soon I promise.

  You cannot know that.

  Mate it will happen by tomorrow I spit and swear it.

  You can’t know that.

  Shutup shutup I adjectival spit and swear it they make us servants at their adjectival dinners even though that aint permitted by the rules those b–––––ds do not care they are the bosses of the effing colony. Shutup and listen to me Ned you’re acting like I did before I come down to Melbourne I had no adjectival clue I were wine waiter at a dinner where the Commissioner had the table set with naked ladies there were one in every chair.

  No.

  My colonial oath you don’t know who these b– – – – rs are.

  Naked completely?

  It were at that moment we heard a cough nearby.

  He whispered there must be a prisoner in the other cell but I knew the other cell to be empty. Shutup said he hurriedly wrapping the lamb.

  When he squeezed my arm he were suddenly a man 6 yr. older and not the chap I had knocked to the ground and he put his mouth near my ear and spoke very rapid.

  When they don’t need to be nice no more you’ll see their damn colours.

  I made to draw away. Shutup he said pulling me back they’ll declare your mother A Person Not Suitable then they’ll annul her lease. They don’t want your family in the district thats what they said I heard it Ned I see you don’t believe me but I aint no liar.

  A liar he were not but at that moment I couldnt tell if he were friend or foe.

  Harry Power will be betrayed day after tomorrow.

  So you say.

  Listen its true they have offered a man called Jack Lloyd £500 reward and he is sucking on the bait. Soon they’ll set the hook then Harry Power will go to prison. You might as well get the reward they don’t want your evidence they just want you to point the bone.

  Then he picked up his bottle and his lantern. Pass me the bottle through the hatch.

  It were very dark inside the cell I done as asked.

  I aint no liar said he and he were gone leaving behind only the blankets and the smell of grog.

  Marvellous Melbourne so they call it in the newspapers.

  Perhaps if I were a Chinaman I might of had the sense to betray Harry Power without no shame I cannot say but we Irish was raised to revile the traitors’ names when I were a child and they wished to make me hate my own father they said he were A Certain Man.

  At Beveridge Catholic School we learned the traitors better than the saints so at 5 yr. of age I could recite the names John Cockayne Edward Abby even poor Anthony Perry who finally betrayed the rebels after the English set his head alight with pitch and gunpowder. Likewise but contrary I knew the names of the Athy blacksmiths Tom Murray and Owen Finn they would not betray the rebels though they was flogged and tortured the whole town echoing with their screams.

  Though Harry Power used me v. poorly I could not betray him. Through that long dark night at Richmond Depot I imagined we would all be badly punished for my refusal but when the cold dawn come and the reward were declined no one threatened me with nothing and I were too relieved to think it worrisome or strange.

  Back in Benalla 2 days later the charges against me was all dismissed and I were given the Queen of England’s kind permission to freely walk the 13 wet and windy miles to our selection.

  I had been a prisoner for 3 weeks but Mother did not greet me upon my return she slid her straining spoon along the top of the saucepan then scraped the rich yellow cream into a small brown bowl.

  I asked her whats the matter do I smell?

  She would not answer yes or no so I walked out on the veranda Maggie were approaching from the dairy but when I waved she pretended not to see me. Soon she were on horseback riding out towards Bald Hills.

  There was many tools on the veranda including my old sledgehammer its handle smooth and familiar as my own skin I found my wedges in a canvas bag hanging by a nail from the roof. Knowing useful labour were awaiting I carried these items out behind the cowbail where I discovered nothing but laziness and neglect the rank weeds growing right around the previously cut up logs.

  Very soon I heard a horse coming down the track upon its back was Dan 9 yr. and Jem 11 yr. Though I stood in plain sight my brothers played blind and it were thus clear I had committed some grievous offence against my family. I rolled one of the logs clear of the weeds then I set a little #1 wedge and drove it home.

  Jem returned alone he brung our father’s 6 lb. sledgehammer I stepped back so he could drive a wedge.

  I don’t blame you Ned no road who could adjectival blame you.

  For what I asked.

  I seen his dark eyes filled with considerable emotion.

  You know.

  I don’t know nothing.

  We know you dobbed in Harry Power.

  And that were how I learned Power were finally arrested he had been taken by old Nicolson at his bolthole above the Quinns.

  They say you was taken down to Melbourne Ned.

  Yes I were but I never dobbed old Harry.

  They say you was brought to the Police Commissioner then you come back to lead the traps to Harry.

  Its a lie.

  Aunt Kate knew before it happened Ned she come and told us what you was intending. She said you would be released in return for leading the traps to Harry. And then Harry were lagged and here you is released as prophesied.

  I ran back to the hut shouting from the doorway that my mother should accuse her effing sister not her son. My mother were deaf she wouldnt even look my way.

  Your sister Kate is an adjectival liar its her that sold Harry to the traps not me.

  My mother charged slapping me violently about the head I retreated before her. Get out she cried get out I cannot
bear the adjectival sight of you.

  I removed myself to the veranda but still she kept on coming.

  Judas she cried.

  Judas? I picked up a shovel.

  Yes Judas.

  It were the worst thing ever said to me. Stand I cried don’t take another step.

  She were still furious but I held her favourite weapon many is the time I saw her swing that shovel I were trembling like a horse thinking her an unnatural mother to believe a sister before her son.

  It were Uncle Jack Lloyd betrayed Harry I cried. I swear it by this blessed iron.

  My ma shook her head her disbelief blowing such a draught upon my rage I swung the murderous shovel hard against the wall and the red gum handle split in 1/2 and I picked up both pieces and each of them as deadly as a pike they was bright red and hard as railway sleepers.

  Damn you I told my mother.

  Gracie screamed she grabbed me round the waist. Do not hurt your ma.

  Them Lloyds sold Harry for 500 quid!

  O Lord! My mother sat suddenly upon the step holding her hand across her mouth. She recognised the price thank Jesus.

  I freed myself from Gracie’s grasp and returned to my sledgehammer but hard work did not calm me quite the opposite I were even angrier that my ma should have judged me so poorly and my hands was shaking and my feelings jumping like a slice of bacon on the pan. The timber now had lain in the air for a year so though the bark were wet and slimy the heartwood were well dried the grain straight and true I remained v. hungry all afternoon.

  More than food I yearned for your grandma to apologise for her injustice it were not till dusk that finally she made her visit she told me I done a good job with the rails.

  You’re a good son said she and we stood side by side looking out across the cold green winter paddocks to where the cows was bunching at the fence much bothered by the inconvenience of their milk.

  PARCEL SIX

  Events Precipitated by the Arrest of Harry Power

  12 pages (8½‘ × 9½‘ approx.) consisting of 6 envelopes opened to provide room for text. Old stamps partially removed, envelopes addressed to Mrs M. Skilling, Greta, Colony of Victoria. The exceptionally small hand is nonetheless recognisably Kelly’s.