The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1891-1896, 1892-02-12
NUMBER EIGHTEEN.

want you in the storeroom
No. IL did not answer me, but bent
her head assentingly. AS she did so
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
! write second wardress of one Of the
county prisons. had noticed her sn-
periority to her fellow inmates con
fess that had made her lot easier in a
good many ways, so 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 fit of sob
bling, and to my surprise threw herself
into my arms.
Come, this will never do, what is the
matter | said quietly. 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.
''You really must be quiet and tell me
the reason of this" said with little
asperity
II will 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
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, 'he 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
wrung my heart, for ! had two bonnie
children at home and my heart went out
to her
Glow do you know this?' | inquired
when her grief had subsidized.
The lame woman who came in yester-
day told mo at exercise, and that my
boys only cry was for his mother.
aWell," replied, "your friends will
take care of him. and month will soon
pass. take courage" And l kissed her,
for was 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 to her, she whispered
eagerly, But, if you choose, you could
help me-"
what do you meanT l said.
I'm this way" she said "a 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 a 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. Supposing," | said, to
humor her, 81 do as you suggest and it
was found out; 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 a random way; then
suddenly:
"What amount of money do you cal
culate would bring in interest equivalent
to your pension?'
IA 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 81 900 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
a little distracted with grief.
Remember, that is solemn promise, :"
she said and just upon it the bell rang
to close work, and the prisoners began
to 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
l came to No. 1S's cell | found her
calmer, 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.
AS 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 off my cloak, when | put my hand
into my dress pocket, to find an IN
stamped letter, which No. IS had evil
IDENTIFY slipped there before | left her