Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1889-08-08


more than a youth, who stood peering
through the bars of a narrow window at
the little Of the outside world included in
his vista HIS reverie was broken by the
stern words OF a turnkey who came upon
him unnoticed.
"Loafn', eh!n said the official. "You'n
be with us a day longer for that. Get TO
work, d--you, and finish your jobl"
The convict glanced at the official half
defantly, but made no reply, and picking up
the long handled mop that had fallen at his
feet proceeded with the washing of the cor
ridor floor The turnkey eyed him for a
moment and then passed on TO the rotunda,
so constructed as TO command an almost
unobstructed view of every nook and COR
ner OF the prison. Stepping from the cor
ridor he met the warden and a bevy of lady
visitors.
.'what is the matter with 4lle' asked the
warden.
"Loafin', as usual He's lazy cur, and
ought to be put at hard labor
'Its only week since he left the hospi-
tai"
HE slammed to get there. He may fool
the doctor but he can't me. Sickl Not
muchi he's as well as am" and the turn
key cast malignant look at the prisoner,
measured, monotonous effort characteristic
of prison labor.
"Bring him here,n said the warden, not
displeased at an opportunity TO show his
authority before the ladies by reprimand-
ing prisoner. The convict came down the
corridor with his gaze upon the stone floor.
When he reached the rotunda he removed
his cap and looked up squarely in the
warden'S eye.
Mcdonald caught you idling, didn't hei"
asked the warden, harshly, lrritated by the
indetinable resistance implied rather than
expressed in the prisoners manner,
"Yes," answered All, quietly.
whats your excuseln
~ looked from the dow for moment,
and the day seemed S. fair that | forgot
myself-where was and every thing"
Thought you'd like to be outside in the
sunshine, suppose"
ayes, sir.n
swell, you shall be. I'll have you put TO
work in the stone quarry tomorrow, and
then you'll git more air-and exercise" and
the warden smiled grimly. The prisoner
made no answer, but drew his hand YEARLY
across his brow. 1t was a simple move
ment, but so fraught with patience, and
perhaps dignity, as to be pathetic.
"You can go now,n said the prison des-
pot.
''Please, warden, can't 1 speak to himln
entreated a feminine voice behind the OIL
cial. He turned and faced sweet-faced
young lady, and replied with all the courtli-
ness martinez could command:
Certainly
'What is your name, siri" asked the
lady of the prisoner
tgTarrnnaa MnAra mics ~
"Would you mind telling me why you are
confined herep
"For forgery"
"Were you innocentF
"No, / was guilty"
"And you are sorry for your crimel" she
continued, breaking off rose from her
corsage bouquet. This question was dis
concerning to the prisoner and annoying to
tbs warden. Tho former dropped his eyes
In embarrassment and the latter fidgeted
in disgust
eyes," said the convict. Il am sorry"
''For being caught" added the warden.
show much longer will you be heresn she
asked.
'Six MONTHS
"You will need friends when you leave,
no doubt Come and see me then, and per-
haps l can assist you," and she extended
card and the rose as she spoke. When he
passed the turnkey on his way back TO work
that keeper saw him wipe tear from his
cheek.
"Snivelin'," said the official, tauntingly.
"Yes," replied All; "for the first time in
my life"
"Moore is one Of the most refractory men
in the prison. explained the warden TO the
ladies. "He doesn't often break the rules
and never offers open resistance. But there
is something ominous in his manner irri-
tating to degree, and marking him, ac-
cording to my experience, IS a dangerous
man. If mistake not he is as desperate
criminal as was ever confined within these
walls"
''But he doesn't look like an evil person.
interposed the young lady.
"Looks are not always correct cri-
terion," replied the warden so testify that
the ladies took the hint and All escaped
further comment
That night when Mcdonald peered into
cell All he saw the occupant stretched at
full length on the floor and the cot over.