The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1899-04-11
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Joe Westbrook. the Jal.keeper, ha,
very beautiful daughter named Polly
She was of great assistance 10 him il
his work inasmuch as she had assume,
the entire duty Of providing food TO
the prisoners. And now that one O
them had interested her sympa shies sh,
took upon herself the further duty O
taking their meals to them in person.
1t may have been the result of acct
dent. but, singularly enough, the full
est plate and the choicest viands now
found their way through the "griel
hole" of Edward Robins cell. Occa
sionally delcacy not included in the
bill OF fare was added to his meals.
Sometimes it was quail or partridge,
sometimes flask Of wine. There was
no niistaking the significance Of these
gifts They informed him that mys-
terious friend was taking an interest in
his welfare
As soon as he was convinced of the
fact he resolved to ascertain this per.
sons identity, so he set himself to
watching. Heretofore it had been his
custom to keep aloof when his meals
were brought him; now. however, he
determined to take them in person from
the tray The next time his "grief
hole was opened for the introduction
Of food, therefore. he advanced to the
door and greeted the tray bearer with
cheerful salutation
Good day to you, friend!" he cried
as he took the dish proffered him. II
thank you most gratefully for your at
tention
"A deep drawn sigh was the only an
swer to his words.
'What Have you no cheering re-
ply for meT he asked, beginning to
suspect the truth "Come let us shake
hands. for l bear you no grudge. al
though you are my jailer.
As he had anticipated, a slender
white hand and Just the suggestion of
an intrancingly lovely arm were thrust
through the ''grief hole. and, after he
had pressed the fingers. withdrawn in
timid haste
"God bless you, my friendl' ex-
claimed Robin, with genuine feeling.
FOR. whoever you may be. | am sure
you sympathize with my unhappy
fate.
"Alas, sir. answered the sad, sweet
voice, "who would not sympat hize with
your"
Further conversation between them
was interrupted by the sound of foot
steps in the corridor Nevertheless their
brief interview was sufficient to con-
vince the prisoner that he had made q
friend upon whom he could rely
Every day thereafter Polly Westbrook
found opportunities to visit the cell of
the captive when no prying eyes were
near and cheer him with consoling
words Like Pyramus and ThisDe Of
old they whispered through a wall, the
"grief hole'' affording them an easy
means of communication.
1t soon became apparent to Robin
that the girl was desperately in love
with him. He was still too deeply en-.
amored with Zadie Price to fully return
her affection. Nevertheless he regarded |
her with an admiring fondness which
might in time ripen into u more tender
feeling, And now an event occurred
which brought this very thing to pass.
Driven to desperation by the entreat-
les and commands of her tyrant father
Zadis at last married old Caleb Shurker
As soon as this was contaminated, Farm
er Price paid visit to the Goshen Jail
and communicated the news to young
Robin. Indeed he took malicious
pleasure in so doing. At first the young
man was completely Frustrated He
flung himself down on his pallet and.
turning his face to the wall, abandoned
himself to the dull apathy of despair
But he possessed too decided char
scter to die of broken heart Gradual
y his grief gave place to II burning de-
'ire for revenge, and he rose up the en-
1odiment of resolution Realizing the
utility of his design unless he could es.
ape from his prison, he set his wits to /
work to devise a means of accomplish
ng this end. And naturally his thoughts
eyerted to Polly Westbrook.
Accordingly the next time the de-
'oted girl paid him visit he preached
he subject in such a tender, appealing
way that he completely won her over to
lis plans.
"Polly," he began. 81 know you do
lot wish to see me die in prison, but
lie l will, unless speedily released from
Confinement | am poor and friendless,
s you know, so can expect no assist
nee from the law. If am to regain
~ freedom at all it must be through
on. Polly. In short, you must aid me
D escape"
"Alas. and never see you moreP" she
sturned with sigh THAT will be
cry hard Edward Yet, if you wish it
, be 3d. will help you. -
Never see me more Polly ?" return.
Robin, gently. EDO you mean to , {
III me you are so deeply attached to 1
lis doleful place that you will refuse |
he chance to leave it,"
"But how can leave it," she cried |
aintively. at is the only home I
AVE." =
Nevertheless I offer you an opportu- +
ty to leave it. " &
"How2" q
"By making your escape with me"
Polly uttered little cry of joy, s
hich was checked half way by b
ournful sigh.
What you ask is impossible, Ed t
ard, she answered sadly. Indeed l Il
ar l must have been foolish and for
ard for you to.think so lightly of my "
aracter. "
"On the contrary, respect You high Il
or would not ask you to become "
= wife.
Again she uttered little joyous cry. al
Odd you mean that we should run nj
and get married. she asked eagerly fc
Exactly" 10
"Oh, my darling Edward h,
Interpreting this exclamation as q of
lsent to his proposition, Robin now lie