The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1902-09-13

| door closed after him. 1t was not tn,
first time by good many that he hat
| crossed the threshold, but he had no
| before had any dealing with the pres
ent home secretary.
Captain Richmond" the secretary
queried with quick scrutiny OF the
| face Of his visitor, who returned The
look as he inclined his head. ISL
down. sir. am pleased to meet you
l understand that you were commits
Toned by my predecessor to inquire
into the abuses In connection with tbs
control of Blackenham prison. and thai
your inquiry was entirely successful
believe"-with q smile-"that YOU
were sentenced to four years, and
We're liberated on ticket-of-leave by
order of my predecessor, after eight
months incarceration. Have you since
reported yourself to the police, as you
are bound to by the conditions Of the
ticket to do?"
No" Captain Richmond replied, Il
have not reported myself"
Good" returned the secretary, that
will facilitate matters. / wish you, If
you are at liberty. and not disinclined
to return to prison life, to enter Shash-
nal prison, and see If you can get to the
root of the mystery there. If you care
to take up the matter, and are success
full, you will not find this Office I'M
grateful. When will you be ready for
arrest?"
The day after tomorrow, if that will
suit
Very we'll. Be in Chandos street
between 3 and o'clock on Wednesday
morning, with chisel and few other
handy burglars tools in your pockets.
Sergeant Crane will he there to ar
rest you, as before. l will arrange
that you serve your sentence at Shash-
nal"
How shall communicate with
you?"
Zone of the visiting justices will
make a point of seeing you privately
whenever he visits Shashnal," the Sec
rotary replied. you will say only as
little as necessary to the justice; what
ever you tell him shall know the same
day, SO that if you will be able to sec
ME with very little delay. Have l
made by wishes clear?"
perfectly SO, SIR
as there anything can do for your
Nothing, unless you can expedite
my arrival at Shashnal. l am itching
to get there"
you are interested, Ell? Well. l
tence, but what can be done judicious-
ly shall, promise you. The prelimi-
naries must, Of course, be extremely
l may add" the secretary
said. holding out his hand, eff you car
ry this matter through successfully
you may rely upon any influence may
have in the matter of queens mes
sengership. for which l see your name
has been down some considerable
time"
"I'll get to the root of the matter"
Captain Richmond muttered, as he
walked toward the Strand, IF it has a
roof"
"rhirty-nine! Do you call that the
way to roll your bcd?"
What's the matter with it?'
"No back questions, pleased" shouted
he warden, cor, as sure as your names
Arris I'll dock your grub Roll that
bed, now, or report! Next time,
mind, report"
He slammed the door to and went
Town tie corridor
Thi-ty-nine smiled blandly after him.
when l get out of this and that
nan is dismissed-an I'll take good
are he is-I'll waylay him and give
i'm one of the soundest hidings he ever
lad. The question is, when shall l
,et out of here? Five days of the five
'ears gone, and l don't see anything
queer. Still there's decent balance
eft for discoveries"
The cell door swung open and an
'ther warden looked in.
"Thirty-nine, talking! Won't do, my
ad-won't do"
Saying my prayers" replied Thirty
line.
"Say 'em to yourself, my lad"
md the door slammed to again.
Early in the evening of the same day
ne head warden looked into cell thirty
line.
"All right" he inquired genially, as
e locked Thirty-nine carefully over.
eyes, thank YOU" the convict re-
pended with some surprise.
Fell yourself as comfortable as at |
'Orrid ole, Blackenham!
'early as bad for the officers as the
risoners. Was there four years N.Y.
elf"
Thirty-nine pricked up his ears
ervouSly.
"My names Williams" the warden
ontinued with increasing affability.
me: No? Well, p'r'aps
OF. Can't say | remember you. But
e see so many new faces while you
ont, so thought you might remem-
er me. Stop, though. Weren't you
| for coming at Blackenham? 'Ouse-