The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1892-11-04

| 90 uOit carr for h&f|"
Chalmers found the governor in his
comfortable office in the capitol, and
introduced himself, presenting the let
tiers which explained his business. The
governor looked them over carefully and
patiently.
81 am sorry you nave come to me, Mr..
Chalmers" he said finally. 81 can do
nothing for you. l am familiar with the
case," he added, as Chalmers was about
to interpose, "aud my personal sympa-
thies are always with young man in
his first offense.'
After a moment ne continued: sit is
beyond my province to advise you; but
| hate to sec man, in whom there Is
doubtless much good, condemned to
such soul destroying place and fellow
ship. would be glad to help you, if
Could-to give him another chance be-
fore it is too late. Has every legal re-
source been exhausted?"
"Yes. | thought Of that first. Moth
ing seems to have been neglected Or left
undone by my brothers attorneys
"Then fear you can do nothing but
submit. The term of sentence was ten
years; good conduct, you know, will
shorten it to about eight. That is not
SO long when one looks back" said the
governor musingly.
ut is eternity when nue looks for
ward to passing it in hell" The stead-
ness of Chalmers manner was in marked
contrast to the vehemence of his words.
"You seem to have poor opinion Of
our system" said the governor. looking
at him with new interest.
~ know nothing of it," answered
Chalmers shortly.
u admit there is room for improve
ment." said the governor confdentially
81 am making IL study of the matter.
mean to accomplish some reforms
there during my term. Now you are
going to see your brother Keep your
eyes open, and after that come and see
me again and let mG have youi sugges-
tions."
The sympathy of the man and the in
dividual had given way at once before
the ambition of the politician, anxious
to mark his administration with "re-
form" that would attract the public
clamor.
Chalmers saw that nothing could be
gained here. He went next to the
prison. The brothers met in the Office
of the warden. The elder studied to
make the interview free from restraint
and as though they were meeting on
common ground. But he could not
shut his eyes to those horrid stripes that
wound round and round his brothers
fprm-the badge Of crime and servitude,
This was almost the worst of it-that
not for a moment could they blot out
this ocular evidence of the impossible
gulf between them.
- am sorry. George" said Chalmers,
after firm clasp of the hand. tthat
gould not have been With you sooner. l
learned of it only three days ago at New
Orleans"
"Have you been to ClevelandP"
"Yes. | went there first to see what
could be done"
"Then you know the whole story?'
For an answer the elder brother
nodded without looking up.
docs Lima know?"
| This time the other shook his head,
but he looked straight at the younger
man and replied by another question:
iiDo you care for herr"
"Why, of course, old man; but that's
oil up now, and there's no reason why
you shouldn't go in and win, if you still
want to-"
|
| Chalmers studied his brother in curl
GUS surprise. There was certain rough
pess and carelessness in his tone and
manner that he had never observed in
him before-that he had certainly not
expected to find now. And he noticed a
weakness about the mouth and the low
er lines of the face that was wholly new
to him. This was not sudden OF vivid
expression, but came in as sort of un-
dercurrent to his thought. AT first it
did not occur to him that he had never
seen his brothers face before-since he
had reached manhood-free from the
heavy beard that he had always worn.
But the prison discipline was a leveler
in this as in all things else. He Won
dered if his face would look as weak if
| ho oHoulu pcCOiuc d CohHlSI anu nave his
beard shaved off and his hair cropped.
He ignored his brothers last words.
u have been trying to do something
for you," he said, "but am afraid have
failed 50 far. have just come from the
governors"
"Oh, you can't do anything there. !
could have told you that. He and old
Rodney are hand in glove. Did you see
Rodney"
| "Yes."
"He's willy old fox; he'll block you
at every STEP"
NJ found he would not help us. Can
you suggest anything? came home to
get you out of this if it can be done.'
II know but one way. Money does