The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1893-03-21
A MAN WITHOUT A FRIEND.

One morning in the beginning of Lent,
a fashionably dressed woman approached
the large states prison. She hesitated
for a 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 q good deal Of dread. The convict
who acted as head bookkeeper, white
haired man and the most trusted prisoner
in the great stone building, glanced UP
from his work. His eyes rested admiring-
ly on the face of the visitor, for she was
exceedingly attractive. Possibly thirty
five years of age, she seemed much
younger; she was dressed with taste, and
her natural expression was one OF
SprightlineSS. Her har was dark ana
waving, and her eyes Of soft brown.
SIS the warden in?" she asked III the
most pleasantly modulated voice imagin-
able.
Il will see, madam"
The bookkeeper touched q bell, and
few moments later the warden entered.
''You wish to see me, madam he SAID,
approaching the visitor.
.If you have few moments to spare.
"Wiu you step this way? and the
warden led the way to his private office.
The visitor sank into q large chair, and
the warden glanced at her III an liiquirliS
manner.
II wish to ask you question:" began
the visitor.
Yes, madam"
'Have you in the prison man without
a frend?'
'Without friend? repeated tho war
den in surprise, for the question was
unusual.
Yes; Il man who is absolutely alone IN
the world: who receives no letters; who
never has any one inquire about HIM; VINO
seems to retain no memories Of his child
hood. 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 person
behind these wa]ls,'' she continued.
s"rhere must be a 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. Il think Gen
tleman George would about answer that
description" he answered.
"Gentleman GeorSe"'
$50 he is called. What his real name
Is no one Knows. Yes; ne IS the man
Won want But / will ask Davis He
knows more about these matters than
I. A wonderful man is Davis. lie Is the
bookkeoper who called me. You would
never think he was Il convict
THAT white-hared gentleman a con-
vict?' she asked III surprise.
s'He has been here twenty-five years.
But | will call him and see what he says
So saying, the warden went to the door'
'Davis!''
The old gentleman stopped writing and
approached respectfully.
Davis, who is the most friendiess man
in the prison"
The old gentleman answered without
hesitation: In my opinion, Gentleman
George, sir"
THAT will do, Davis"
The old gentleman disappeared. "A
wonderful man is Davis" reiterated the
warden. What he says he knows. And
now. madam. that I have answered your
question, perhaps you will explain why
YOU desire this infornation?'
INV name is Mrs Atwood. Perhaps
Won know Of me?' The warden bowed.
He had, indeed, heard Of the wealthy
widow whose charities We're so Well
known.
81 hardly understand myself why l
have come to you in this manner" she
continued, ''but something has urged me
and L have done so. i should like very
much in some way TO alleviate the lot OF
the most fricndlCss man here, il that IS
possible. / do not know what | can DO
10 kindle some spark Of feeling III his
heart do not know that l can succeed
in any way i'll making existence more
fol- To thD rlfo n
but, with your permission, and observing,
of course, all the proprieties Of the prison,
! should like to try to do something.
She Sazed eXpectantly at the warden
as she spoke. "Cf course, you have my
permission, madam was the reply.
Tell ne, what is this man here Tor!
ole was a heightened Speculator. The
qualification of this passion was not
limited to legitimate means. His last
transaction was connected with Dig
mining sWindle, the details OF which 1
will not weary you with. He is an Eng
lishman, and came to this country, we
believe, under an assumed name.
How long has he been here:'
"Ten years"
"And when will he be releaSed?'
Gle will meyer be released"
"What do you mean!"
81 mean that now he is in the hOSpltal.
He has consumption, and will not 1--we
long"
Poor fellow" she remarked. Then
she arose. Il thank you," she added,
simply.
"It is to you we are indebted. madam.
I am no rapid advocate Of prison reform,
but believe we would be immensely as
sisted in our work Of making good citizens
out Of our criminals if the public showed
that the prisoners behind the bars We're
not altogether forgotten and shut out
from the world. Good day, madam and
the warden followed her to the door.
He watched her for a moment and then
turned away.
"a fine woman, Davis he said.
eyes, SIR replied the bookkeeper, with
out looking up.
The next day bird and birdcage ar
rived at the prison labeled: "For Gentle
man George" The warden gazed at it
with amazement. GA little mite Of
canary" he said. GLOW like woman.
Well, thank goodness she didn't send
tracts"
Armed with the bird cage, he made his
way to the hospital and approached the
couch where Gentleman George lay. He