The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1893-06-09
WITHOUT A FRIEND.
A Glimpse at the Ending Of a
Blighted Life.

Blighted Life.
One morning a ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
woman approached the large states
prison. She hesitated for moment at
the entrance, as if not knowing just
which way to proceed, and then, seeing
the entrance to the Office, crossed the
threshold of that room and looked
around her with some curiosity and
good deal of dread The convict. who
acted as head bookkeeper, white
haired man and the most trusted pris-
oner in the great stone building,
glanced up from his work. His eyes
rested admiringly on the face of the
visitor, for she was exceedingly at
tractive. Possibly thirty-ive years of
age, she seemed much younger; she
was dressed with taste, and her nat
ural expression was one of sprightli-
ness. Her hair was dark and waving
and her eyes of soft brown.
SIS the warden imp" she asked, in
the most Observation-Disclosures voice
imaginable.
II will see, madam"
The bookkeeper touched bell, AND
a few moments later the warden en-,
tered.
"You wish to see me, madam" he
said. approaching the visitor,
''If You have few moments to
spare"
''Will you step this way?" and the
warden led the way to his private Of
fec. The visitor sank into a large
chair, and the warden glanced at her
in an inqulring manner.
81 wish to ask you question:" be.
gan the visitor.
Eyes, madam"
"Have you in the prison a man with.
out friend?"
"Without friend?" repeated the
warden in surprise, for the question
was unusual,
Eyes, a man who is absolutely alone
in the world; who receives no letters;
who never has anyone inquire about
him; who seems to reta in no memories
of his childhood, and who, in short, is
probably the most isolated. silent,
lonesome, miserable being on earth?"
The warden was silent for few
moments
Surely you must have such a person
behind these walls" she continued.
'"There must be man here who is
dead to all human sympathy, and who,
while living, does not belong at all to
the world"
The warden looked up. y think
Gentleman George would about answer
that description" he answered.
Gentleman George?"
$50 he is called. What his real
name is, no one knows. Yes, he is the
man you want But will ask Davis,
He knows more about these matters
than /. A wonderful man is Davis.
He is the bookkeeper who called me.
You would never think he was con-
vict."
THAT white-haired gentleman con-
vict?' she asked in surprise.
He has been here twenty-five years
But will call him and see what he
says" So saying, the warden went to
the door.
"DaVisi"
The old gentleman stopped writing
and approached respectfully.
''Davis, who is the most friendless
man in the prison?"
The old gentleman answered without
hesitation: "In my opinion, Gentleman
George, sir"
THAT will do, Davis"
The old gentleman disappeared, IA
wonderful man is Davis" reiterated
the warden. "What he says he knows
And now, madam, that 1 have an
swered your question, perhaps you
will explain why you desire this in
| formation?"
"My name is Mrs. Atwood. Perhaps
you know of me?" The warden bowed.
He had, indeed, heard of the wealthy
widow whose charities were SO we'll
| known.
II hardly understand myself why
have come to you in this manner" she
continued, "but something has urged
me and l have done so. should like
very much in some way to alleviate the
lot of the most friendless man here, if
that is possible. ! do not know what
can do to kindle some spark of feel
ing in his heart; ] do'not know that 1
can succeed in any way in making ex-
istence more tolerable to the unfortun-
ate creature, but, with your permis-
sion, and observing, Of course, all the
properties OF the prison, 1 should like
| to try to do something"
She gazed eXpectantly at the warden
as she spoke. ''Of course, you have
my permission, madam" was the re-
ply.
Tell me, what Is this man here
for?"
He was a high-toned speculator
The qualification of this passion was
not limited to legitimate means. His
last transaction was connected with a
big mining swindle, the details Of
which ] will not weary you with. He
is an Englishman, and came TO this
country, we believe, under an assumed
name"
"How long has he been hsrs9"