Front matter

BEYOND THE BLACK WATERS

Transcriber’s Notes

“‘I would tell you everything,’ said Oscar, ‘were not your peace dearer to me than my own.’”

Page 117.

BEYOND THE BLACK WATERS

By A. L. O. E.

Oscar gave in the letter with a hand that did not tremble.

Page 173.

T. NELSON AND SONS

London, Edinburgh, and New York

BEYOND THE BLACK WATERS

A Tale

BY

A. L. O. E.,

Author of “Pictures of St. Peter in an English Home,” “Driven into Exile,” “Harold’s Bride,” “War and Peace,” &c. &c.

London

THOMAS NELSON AND SONS

35 Paternoster Row

EDINBURGH, AND NEW YORK

1890

Preface.

The title of this work would probably convey no definite idea to the minds of most Europeans; it might be considered as merely a figurative expression. It is otherwise with the native of Hindostan. The Black Waters are to him those that cut off from happiness and home the criminals of that vast region to which he belongs. Beyond the Black Waters lie the Andaman Islands, where, at the present time, about thirteen thousand convicts of both sexes—thieves, murderers, and murderesses—endure the punishment of exile, the due reward of their crimes.

A kind of mysterious pall seems to hang over the isles beyond the Black Waters. The convicts are under Government protection and Government control; nor can there be communication with them (at any rate with those confined in jail) without Government permission. The criminals are not treated harshly; the place of their exile is fruitful and fair. Nature smiles upon the Andaman Islands; it is man, guilty man, who seems to have forgotten how to smile.

To turn to a brighter part of the background of my tale: the stories of the Karens, their traditions, and of the remarkable man who stands amongst them conspicuous as a lighthouse at night, are no invention of mine. These belong to fact and not to fiction. If I would fain awaken pity for the sinners, I would also kindle admiration for the saints, and a keener and more practical interest in England and America for missionary labours in the lands of the East.

Contents.

I. NEWLY ARRIVED.

II. THE PRODIGY.

III. DEAD OR ALIVE?

IV. THE MYSTERIOUS CLOUD.

V. ANCIENT TRADITIONS.

VI. MODERN THEORIES.

VII. EXPECTED AND WELCOMED.

VIII. A REFUSAL.

IX. QUIET CONVERSE.

X. THE SCORPION’S STING.

XI. A PRESCRIPTION.

XII. CONJECTURES.

XIII. THE EXPEDITION.

XIV. A DISCOVERY.

XV. MOUNT AND AWAY.

XVI. THE LONE VILLAGE.

XVII. IN THE FOREST.

XVIII. RESCUED.

XIX. THE PREACHER.

XX. DARK MEMORIES.

XXI. CONFESSION.

XXII. HOME AGAIN.

XXIII. AN ORDEAL.

XXIV. CHRISTMAS.

XXV. FAREWELL.

XXVI. PRISON LIFE.

XXVII. ADVENTURES OF AN OWL.

XXVIII. UNWILLING WITNESSES.

XXIX. THE SENTENCE.

XXX. CONSOLATION.

XXXI. THE VOYAGE.

XXXII. CONCLUSION.

⭘ APPENDIX.

BEYOND THE BLACK WATERS.