‘
‘Mr Williamson, Tedder here is literate. Apparently, he wrote a very impressive letter to a well-respected London diamond merchant demanding 500 pounds. He said the gentleman had done illegal things to him and had promised him money. And yet, here he is, standing in front of us, in Van Diemen’s Land, penniless and at our mercy.’ The superintendent smirked at Tedder.
Tedder’s face and neck turned fire poker red, his heart thumped hard enough to jump out of his chest. His breathing so rapid, he worried he would pass out. Clenching his fists by his side he tried taking deep breaths to calm down.
‘But, Mr Williamson,’ continued the superintendent ‘I’m sure you’ll be able to keep him so busy maintaining the records in the Commissariat, he won’t have time to write mischievous letters. Misch
