Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-11-03

10 a degree which she had not taken off
her bandage accurately TO ascertain. They
presented a subject of speculation and mys-
terry which We did not, and in return Tor
the interest they gave him he offered
them gruff little courtesies which he hoped
would help somewhat to keep their minds
off their coming ordeal. Some of them were
culpritS of long standing. men who had
taken their ''StretCherS- as they called
their terms in prison, regularly and with
out t1nching. but none of them knew what
their next stretcher was to be. Some OF
them were lads sure 70 go TO the reform
school: and all of them men and lads were
to retire from the world for a certain pc
rIOd-but how long? The limit that each OF
them could get was well known, but no
one believed that he deserved or would get
the limit
Prisoners the world over feel that the
fact that they have been caught at all Is a
punishment and justifies them in expecting
a compromise with the judge who is to
sentence them. If detection itself is a pun
ishment. any further discipline ought to be
measured according to the disappointment
and Chagrin which the detection has
caused This is Irrational. but all men are
irrational according to their opportunities
1t the uncertainty as to how far Jus
tiCe in the person of The old man would
be willing to compromise on this basis that
kept the men on a strain. Morning, noon
and night the constant word was, what
will the old man do?' The first thing we
heard even bef fore the sheriff had let us
cell of the men to be sentenced that they
were twelve hours nearer the appointed
time. Even during the night mutterngS
reached Ruderick and me from the men
" no had ben waiting longest One night
We heard an old man of seventy, who
might have been the grandfather of near
ly all of US. cry out in his sleep. Make 1t
a year, Judge. Just an even year., and he
threw into the words all pleading and
pathos that he could have commanded had
he been awake.
At last the morning came when Justice
was to take off the ban9age, and the sheriff
told his wards that they must hold them
selves ready to go to the court room at
any moment. He was not sure himself of
the exact time when his honor would call
for them. but he cautioned them to be
quick in responding to the call when 1t
came. Every one rushed to his cell to get
his clothes in order. Want the old man
to see in my best" one said, and the
others followed him up to the cell gallery
and began to overhaul their scant supply
of toys They discussed the merits Of
patched waistcoat or a frayed necktie
as women do the most delicate finery.
How do you think tn old man II like
this?'' a man called ''Bony' said, holding
up coat.
Get it sterilized. Bony: it's full o gray
backs III old man II give yo de limit if
they get to parading around the court
room" another remarked untruthfully.
How do you'se think this white rag II
take queried still another dubbed Jet
Eyes tAniDlllHS DOLItu sum "ilitji
he had kept under his pillow for four
weeks for fear it would be "swiped.
Keep 1t to swing in. Sammy" advised
his cellmate Its too good jus to get
two years in Put 1t in a safety vault till
Croakin' time comes"
in an hour they had all put on their best,
and a dress rehearsal in the corridor was
in order. One of the oldest prisoners was
appointed judge, and the men lined up in
front of him This was play. and in
measure comedy. but not wholly so; the
CulpTlts expected to catch from the mock
Judge and the mock sentence some omen
of what their fate would be. The judge
carried off his part with impressive dignity
and severe eyebrow; he had borrowed
clean collar and sky-blue necktie for the
occasion. He had absolutely refused to Of
hcate except in costume. The men prac
ticed attitudes and gestures which they ex-
pected to with effect later in the day
Hungry" he said in voice which was
proper To the majesty of the law, to the
at the head of the line. you was
caught in de act, wasn't you? Now, that
means bunglin Blokes what knows their
business don't get pinched in the act. But
you'se gettin' old, Hungry. We all knows
that You must be nearly fifty De law
says that for what you done ought to
give you fifteen years, but l don't b'lieve
you'l last that long. You'se got so many
diseases you'se goin' to croak before great
while. Now. it amt right to give man
life for bunglin, an that's what 1t 'ud be
If | gave you what de law says. Pm goin'
to be square with you; I'm going to give
you chance to die outside. You'se good
for about two years yet, T you take care O.
eighteen months to de penitentiary-
Thank y, yer honor" said Hungry,
bowling awkwardly.
A faint murmur Of approval and applause
arose In the audience
silence in de eort," cried Rhadamanthus
with truculent majesty; bring up the next
prisoner"
He was boy of eighteen. called Eddie. Z"