Idaho semi-weekly world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1875-1908, 1893-12-08
NUMBER EIGHTEEN.

noticed iear 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
J 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
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 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
dot 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
asperty
II will be quiet, madam she said
with great effort; Il 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
do?' And she laid her head on my shout
der with faint, despalring cry which
wrung my heart. for | had two bonnie
children at home aud my heart went out
to her
How do you know this?' | inquired
when her grief had subsidized.
| The lame woman who came in yester
day told me ut exercise, and that my
boy g only cry was for his mother
Well" repl,a4 your friends vii
take care of HIM and month will soor
pass tlke courage And kissed her
| for | was a woman If a wardress, and ap
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, IT you choose you coulc
nelp me"
| What do you mean | said.
an this way she said II want to be
at home IN three or four days
Nonsense. | replied. 'yon are losing
your wits. get on with your work"
She obeyed but continued Il know
can get out if you will aid me Il 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 al
me.
Now you must put such matters en-
tirely from you Surprising" said, tt
humor her II do as you suggest and i
was found out. the consequences would
be should lose my pension, which Ii
only a few years off. and | have two
children to think of and am widow
She was quiet at this for time ant
did her work in a random way; ther
suddenly
What amount of money do you cal
culate would bring in interest equivalen
to your pension
"A thousand pounds, ! said, smiling
and believing that it would put sucl
thoughts away from her mind.
She dropped the clothing she held ant
seized my hands firmly IF you wer
to receive 81 900 would you help me
Swear it by the love you bear you
children and as you hope for their wei
fare"
oh, yes; ri promise that" replied
to humor her. for thought she must b
little distracted with grief
Remember, that is solemn PROMISE
she said and Just upon it the bell ran!
to close work, and the prisoners begal
to troop to their cells.
At the end of another hour my dut,
would be over for the night, and afte
seeing all the inmates OF the cells
should transfer my keys to the nigh
wardress in charge and go home. Whel
| came to No ISIS cell found he
calmer and putting her arms aroun'
me she embraced and kissed me, whis
perlng 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 ide
OF the letter
Ash lived outside | soon put on m
hat and cloak. which covered my priso
uniform, and left for the night, and wa
soon at home with my children.
Judge of my establishment, after TAX
ing off my cloak. when put my han
into my dress pocket. to find an ur
stamped letter. which No. IL had ev1
IDENTIFY slipped there before left he
cell
II was addressed to a city fifteen mile
away, and my first thought was to de
stroy it and | held it in my hand Owe
the fire. but my heart gave leap as
thought of her child, and, looking acros
the room. saw my own dear boy will
his curly head bent over his slate. ant
my hand stated will not burn It.
thought will wait until morning ant
think what must do for the right. SO
laid it ON the mantelpiece.
After we had had tea left my littl'
girl of twelve to clear away things whil
went ont to buy eatables for the mex
day | WAS away about an hour. and oil
returning my daughter greeted me with