Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1879-05-25
l caught myself mentally repeating my
landlady's query: ,.34

hat showed an intire absence of dclica
y, and at the same time showed a por-
ion of limb which might have done
credit to an athlete in the highest state of
training. I was fairly puzzled, and none
the less so that l had twice noticed her
ringing the prison bell, and that |
knew there was but one individual
to be discharged that morning, and it
was close upon my time to go and look
after him. had barely finished my last
cup of coffee when one Of the prison war
dens came across to say that the wife Of
my prisoner was waiting outside, and
had twice made demand to see him; but
that the governor did not care to accced to
the request without first consulting me.
After casting the matter over IN my own
mind for minute, I told the warden
that did not mind the woman being adj
mitted, but that the two ought to be very
closely watched during the interview.
The man rc-cntered the prison, and with
in few minutes | observed that the
woman was called in.
Punctial to my time, l crossed over to
the prison, and found my charge waiting
fer me, his wife being still with him,
and no one. in the room but the governor.
Contrary to my expectations, the prison
cr held up his wrists and submitted to be
handcutfcd with the most lamb-like do
cility.
When we got into the street | suggest
ed, as there was time to spare, that the
stalwart pair should have bit of break
fast at my expense, before starting on the
journey for town. l thought the woman
seemed little taken aback at my invi-
tation; however, it was accccdcd to, and
we entered the inn parlor. where re-
quested the landlady to produce a plenti-
full supply of ham and eggs; and, as the
pair preferred ale to tea or coffee, l Or
dered them a pint apiece. I had, of
course, to unlock one hand in order to
allow my prisoner the free use of his
knife and fork; and, after what l had
heard the night before, l thought it was
rather Il risky thing for me to do, as,
though he might not attempt to do me
any mischief he might try to infict some
serious mischief on himself. All, however,
passed off safely, and when breakfast was
finished, l told him. he must bid his wife
good-by, as l did not want to attract any
attention at the railway station. A kiss
was accordingly exchanged, the bracelets
were again adjusted to his wrists, and we
set o If at a brisk pace.
When we got to the station, l learned
that the next cup" train was al express,
and that would have to look sharp, as it
might be expected Immediately, and
made but brief stoppagc. The train, in
fact, came in almost to a minute after the
information was communicated to me,
and l hurried across the platform, got
my man into a second-class carriage
the compartment I had only just time to
notice was empty. The whistle sounded
and the train was beginning to move,
when the door was flung violently open,
and in jumped the prisoners wife, taking
her scat right opposite me. There was
but time for the porter to slam to the door
when we were off. 1t need not be SAID
that l was very far from being satisfied
with the look of things, and that had
made up my mind to be carefully on my
guard. L said nothing, being fully dc.
tcrmincd not to bctray any uncasiness
though it must be owned I felt much
Before we had gone any great way, my
prisoner turned sideways to me, and said
Master, my missus and me have some
small matters of our own we would like
to talk over, and, as they don't concern
you in the least, p'raps you wouldn't mind
looking out o. winder for minute or two
while we have our talk
'That could not possibly do was my
immediate answer. "My duty is to kccI
you always under my eye and control
and, beside, as you have just said, your
domestic arrangements can be a matter
OF no concern to me, so you can discus:
them as freely as you please without
minding my presence"
This answer seemed to discomfort both
OF them but, as if by way of compromise
l at the same time leaned toward tn,
window OF the carriage for moment, ant
glanced outside. My hearing is sllar,
enough now, but at the time I speak o
was even more acute. Just as I turned
my head heard, or fancied | heard tn,
man whisper the words "Both together.
Instantly the suspicion flashed across IN,
mind that these words related to myself
and turned round and faced the coupl
| in a moment. What saw in the OK
| preston Of each of them seemed to war
rant my acting with immediate decision
| seized the man between his manaclc,
wrists so that he could not raise his hands
With an instructive thought, I plunge,
my tight hand into the pocket Of my pilo
coat, pulled out the pistol my mate ha,
handed to me, cooked it with my thumb
and holding it within a few inches of tn
face OF the woman opposite, I locke,
steadily into her eyes and said, with en-
phasis, eff you attempt to stir before W
reach the next station, you Will certainl
be dead womanr'
It was something fearful to notice tn
immediate change on that woman's couu
tenance. She became OF a pallid white
ness, and her lips had the purple bluis]
tinge that indicates so Enthusiastically a
excess of deadly fear. In the highly dra
matte positions I have just described w
sped on until the next stopping static
was reached, and that occupied NOR
than twenty minutes. The moment tn
train came to stop thus addressed tn
woman, keeping her covered with tn
muzzle OF my pistol: "Leave the carriage
and, it you value your liberty, make wha
speed you can to get into hiding"
| She disappeared instanter; and l felt
heavy load of anxiety lifted off my min
as she left us, for all the encounters
most hate, an encounter with woman
so be classed foremost. From the momer
| saw the change in her face, indicativ
OF such intense fear, I knew was maste
Of the situation; but still was glad to i
rid OF all further risk of struggle. NJ
a word passed between my prisoner an
me during the remainder of the iourne
To london which xr,o,., - -.,,,o@