The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1891-1896, 1892-03-28
/, NUMBER EIGHTEEN.

"
want you In the storeroom.
No. is did not answer me, but bent
her head assentingly. AS she did 30 ]
noticed tear fall from her eyes.
was interested in this prisoner, for
she was far above the usual class Of
criminals: for was at the time Of which
lwrite 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
good many ways, 30 ON this particular
occasion ! needed her help to assert
clothes in the storeroom. When she had
finished her ironing we were soon en-
gagged at the easier task.
We were by ourselves. and had not
been five minutes in the room when sud-
denly my charge burst into q fit of sob
bling. and to my surprise threw herself
into my arms.
Come, this will never do; what is the
natter" said quietly. Suppose the
governor were to come in. what should
lido? You would get me into serious
trouble.
She. however, continued TO clasp me
around the neck, giving vent to heart
breaking sobs.
"You 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"
'.Of course" answered as cheerfully
as could. ..all are miserable who come
here. except the hardened ones, but you
win soon be home again. One short
month and you viii be with your
friends
"But my child. madam, my dear little
boy, : she sobbed, The is i'll, and il do
not see him ere then he may die. All
i mis- cry Is for his mother. and 1 cannot,
oh, cannot get to him. What shall
do? Ny heart almost breaks to soothe
4 his pains and troubles. What shall
dor And she laid her head ON my shout
! der. with a faint. despairing cry which
wrung my heart, for had two bonnie
children at home and my heart went out
20 her
"How do you know this2" inquired.
when her grief had subsidized.
4AO taL1G NOnAnu WIZ NttAkIO Al yczobCI-
day told mo ut exercise, and that ''my
boys only cry was for his mother
We'll" replied. your friends win
take care OF him, and a month will soon
pass; take courage" And kissed her,
Tor was woman, If a wardress. and apt
10 harden my heart at times"
But none can take his mothers place.
was all that she could say; then, clasp
ing me suddenly to her, she whispered
eagerly, But. if you choose, you could
help me.
What do you mean?" said.
I'm this way" she said; II want to be
~ 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 viii aid me little.
and no one shall be the wiser. want
yOu to post me letter only, and before
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
4 hnmor her. Il do as you suggest and it
was found ont; the consequences would
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 We're
to receive 81 900 would you help me?
Swear it by the. love you bear your
children and as you hope for their well
fare
''Oh. yes: I'll promise that, replied,
TO humor her. for thought she must be
little distracted with grief.
Remember, that is solemn promise. :
she said, and just upon it the bell rang
20 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. Wher
! came to No. 1S's cell l found heI
calmer, and putting her arms around
me she embraced and kissed me, wills
pering, Good night, dear madam; re
member, and God will bless you." i.
passed out and left her for the night
hoping that she had forgotten her ide:
of the letter.
AS lived outside soon put on m,
hat and cloak. which covered my prisol
uniform, and left for the night, and wa
coon at home with my children.
Judge of my astonishment, after tai
ing OF my cloak, when put my han
into my dress pocket, to find an u
stamped letter. which No, 1S had ey
danti,r slirnad there before l left b