The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1891-1896, 1892-02-11
NUMBER EIGHTEEN.

'.Now. No. IS. finish your ironing. for
want you in the storeroom.
No. II did not answer me. but bent
her head assentingly. As she did 30
noticed a tear fall from her eyes.
was interested In this prisoner. for
she was far above the usual class Oh
criminals: for was ut tho time Of which
write second wardress Of one of the
county prisons. had noticed her SUI
periority to her fellow inmates. con-
fess that had made her lot easier in d
good many ways, so on this particular
occasion l needed her help to assert
clothes in the storeroom. When she had
finished her ironing we were soon en-
gagged ut the easier task
We were by ourselves, and had not
been five minutes in the room when sud-.
denly my charge burst into fit Of sob
bling. and TO my surprise threw herself
into my arms.
Come, this win never do; what is the
matter said quietlya Suppose the
governor were to come in, what should
do? You would get me into serious
trouble.
She however, continued to clasp me
around the neck, giving vent to heart
breaking sobs.
lyon really must be- quiet and tell me,
the reason Of this. | said. with little
asperity.
Il win be quiet, madam she said,
with great effort: II am very miserable
and unhappy.
AOf course. answered as cheerfully
rs conld. ..aIl are miserable who come
here, except the hardened ones, but You
will soon be home again. One short
month and you will be with your
friends.
But my child. madam, my dear little
boy, she sobbed. The is i'll. and if | do
not see him ere then he may die. All
his cry Is for his mother. and cannot,
oh, cannot get to him What shall
do? My heart almost breaks to soothe
his pains and troubles What shall
dor And she laid her head ON my shout
der. with faint. despairing cry which
wrnng my heart. for had two bonnie
children at home and my heart went out
70 her.
.'How do You know this2r inquired
when her grief had subsidized.
no idiil0 WUIidu WHO Calu0 III yeSUer-
day told mo at exercise, and that '.my
boys only cry was for his mother.
s. fsWe,l, replied, .your friends viii
take care Of him, and q month will soon
mass; take courage And kissed her,
Tor was a woman, If wardress, and apt
to harden my heart at times
"But none can take his mothers place.
was all that she could say; then, clasp
ing me suddenly-te her, she whispered
eagerly. But, If you choose. you could
help me.
What do you meanY said.
''1n this way she said; II want to be
at home in three or four days"
Nonsense, replied; .you are losing
your wits; get ON with your work
She obeyed, but continued: II know /
!. can get out if you will aid me little,
and no one shall be the wiser. want
you to post me letter only, and before
I long shall be with my dear boy clasp
ing her hands and looking intensely at
me.
Now You must put such matters en-
tirely from you. Surprising" | said, to
humor her, q do as you suggest and it
Wuo AOAuA OuIS bnC CONSEQUENCES WOulu
be should lose my pension, which is
only few years. off and ! have two
children to think Of and am widow.
She was quiet at this for time and
did her work in random way: then
suddenly:
What amount of money do you cal
culate would bring in interest equivalent
TO your pension?
"a thousand pounds, | said. smiling,
and believing that it would put such
thoughts away from her mind.
She dropped the clothing she held and
seized my hands firmly. IF you were
to receive 81 600 would you help me?
Swear it by the love you bear your
children and as you hope for their vel
fare"
'.Oh. yes. III promise that" replied
to hurnor her. for thought she must be
) a little distracted with grief.
''Remember. that isa solemn promise, :
she said. and just upon it the bell rang
TO close work. and the prisoners began
70 troop to their cells.
At the end of another hour my duty
would be over for the night, and after
seeing all the inmates OF the cells
should transfer my keys to the night
wardress in charge and go home. When
1 came to No. 18's cell found her
caimer. and putting her arms around
me she embraced and kissed me, whis-
pering, Good night. dear madam; re-
member, and God will bless you" /
passed out and left her for the night,
hoping that she had forgotten her idea
OF the letter.
Ash lived outside soon put on my
hat and cloak, which covered my prison
uniform. and left for the night, and was
soon at home with my children.
Judge Of my establishment, after tax
ing Oh my cloak, when put my hand
into my dress pocket, to find an I'M
stamped letter. which No. 16 had eyi-
~. .is...,o.A fhara before 1 left her