The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-09-09
HE. SAW POOR pREYFus.
A Few Words from the Prisoner of
Devils Island.

In the Kuche und Keller, a European
magazine, harl Vein Geber cook of the
Netherland steamship Andaiusia, writes as
follows:
Our ship, the Netherland steamship An
dalUsia, was anchored of DeVirs island on
April / after d visit TO Cayenne, when we
were hailed from shore. AL the same time
a small boat put off, manned by soldiers.
They came alongside to ask the captain for
the loan of a COOK while the Andalusia was
waiting for freight. The cook of the little
garrison had broken his arm, they said, and
our cook was to teach one of their men so
that ne might be able to attend TO the
Kitchen until another was sent by the COM
mander.
The captain sent me to the island, and
while busy in the little kitchen instructng
a soldier in the mysteries OF broiling lamb
chops and cooking pork had plenty OF OPP
portunity 70 question captain DreyLus 5
disinclined to speak, became quite 10,
treated as those in the world seem to think
where on the island. OF course, two men
are always at his heels. HE" gets up be-
breakfast consists o. a cup OF chocolate. IL
the weather is gOoo he goes for a walk
soon afterward and winds UP his promenade
by bath.
But are you not afraid he might swim
away or commit suicide?" / asked.
Not at ALL said the soldiers, for a
the ends of the rope are in the hands of
the guard. After the bath he. takes his
eggs and bottle of beer. Then he goes
In for study. He reads and writes Tor sew
era hours"
What kind of books has he got?" The
soldiers looked at each other, After awhile
one OF them said: HE is only allowed TO
read technical works But he can write
whatever he pleases;; He is now writing an
account of his life
Must he show you what ne writes?"
mo; we read only the letters he desires
to have forwarded. These are sent to the
commander in Cayenne"
And does the commander send them off
NO; they are copied and the originals are
retained at Cayenne"
IN hat does he do besides reading and
writing?"
1.-Two weeks ago we received permission
from the commander to play cards with the
prisoner. and he has become an inVeterate
gambler since. After dinner-he has always
soup, a roast and dessert-about 2 o'clock
in the afternoon, we always play baccarat
What are the stakes?"
The soldier laughed. He has not got
a sou, and there are probably not francs
on the whole island. We play for shells
The prisoner gets his supper at in the
evening-roast or ham and bottle OF beer
Soon afterward he goes to bed. He Is not
allowed to have light, you know. Only the
guard at the door keeps up wood fire. He
He cannot go to sleep before 10 O'Clock, and
the guard is not allowed to answer any
questions he may put In the daytime we
may talk to him., but only on the most
trifing subjects-the weather, his health
etc. Our own country is not to be, men
toned.
rs he allowed to smoker?
mo; that is / think he is not for the
commander does not furnish him tobacco.
MAY / leave some cigars for him.?
The soldier did not answer. | emptied
my tobacco pouch and my cigar case on
the table. l hope he got what l left for
him.
AS 1 was about to return to my ship
saw man, followed by two soldiers, APP
preaching from the strand. Dreyfus! He
seemed 10 have heard of my presence and
measured me with questioning looks. His
lips moved, but he did not speak. He is
middle-sized man, cadaverous and of a
yellow complexion. His eyes are deep in
their sockets; he walks with a stoop and
his forehead is furrowed. He Is growing
old rapidly, no doubt.
Dreyfus whispered with his guard, and.
when the latter had nodded assent walked
up TO me and shook me by the hand,
bring my good wishes to the wide world.
ne said, in voice quivering with emo
ton. Their he walked slowly toward his
hut where he remained standing at the
door. waving his hand as my boat dashed
into the pillows Htdf IAN hour later we
were on the way home.