Norwich bulletin., 1910-07-09
THE MAN IN A CAGE

a table, and one cndir III Wdicn an old man was sitting. When the slid- ing door rolled back. he was seen to be sitting very, very still, with his face buried in his hands. But as the girl laughed, and the dozen children came crowding up against the iron wires, he started to his feet and be- gan to pace back and forth, tossing his head and shaking his mane of silvery hair. Breathlessly. the child waited to hear him growl- In a moment. however, he stopped pacing, and spoke to them pleasantly, saying, in a gently voice,
 How do you do, little children? Have you come to see the old man? He is glad to see you. Passes the time; yes yes passes the time"
 Sue and the child had been hiding behind the others. but. at the first sound of his voice, the child looked up into his face.
 T get lonely here" he said. very lonely. I'm always glad when my lit- tie warden brings her playmates to visit me-"
 'whats a warden ?" some one asked.
 T dunno: answered the jailors daughter. That's what he calls me" voice. "is one who takes care of-of things in cages. My little warden takes care of me- She brings me hot6 gingerbread-'
 '.Yup. an doughnuts an apples"
 And her friends to see me-" he added.
 Sue now pushed forward to the bars. dragging the child with her. Are you never going to get out ?" she asked, timidly.
 Bending his gaze upon her and the child, "Take them all away now, little warden he ordered. "All but these two little ladies' Then, to Sue, What was it you asked me. my dear?"
 TT forget" faItered Sue
 He smiled. smile that illuminated day I shall go free''
 'Did you do-something dreadful?" ventured Sue
 '"They say I did"
 "But did you ?'' she persisted. Then, '.No, you did not. you could not T. I don't believe it.'
 How his eyes brightenedi He put out one hand through the bars and stroked Sues hair. One human be. ing to believe in mel" he murmured under his breath. And the little one" he asked. Has she a kind word for me too?"
 The child burst into sobs. oh" he cried. 'I wish I could take you on my knee and comfort you- Such a little one you are! When you are older, you will learn that the world is full of sorrow and sin and. and mistakes But what am I saying? You are little one. They should not have brought you here. The others will forget. They will go away and laugh. They laughed when they saw rne-a man in a cage. They will come again, and again they will laugh. But tine little one is different. This will sink into her heart She will never forget"
 He paused a moment, then went on hurriedly: Little ladies, let me tell you something. must speak 1t out just once. People believe I did a great wrong. IT cannot prove that did not. Sometimes men do wrong un- fin. a frenzy, even though their hearts are not bad. My heart Is not bad. Give me your hands to hold in mine, both of you Thank you. thank you. my little ladies. Now I know you believe that my heart is not bad"
 "You make me think Of my father" said the child. And my father is good''
 throat. He stopped down and pressed his face to the bars, close to the child's rounded cheek.
 "Ain't yer comin' 9" called the girl from outside in the passage
 You are sure you are going to get out ?' whisperer Sue"
 "Yes." he answered gravely. T am sure.
 "oh. I'm so glad,' she cried.
 He released her hand. but held the hand of the child. One day the cage wilI-burst-and I shall go free" he said. Little child, tell me you know it."
 T know it." she repeated simply.
 "One day I shall stand before my | Judge"
 My father is a judge" sparkled the | child.
 "Ten me. little one" he pleaded. ] Twill the great Judge forgiven
 My father would,' she answered | "My father is good"
 He pressed his lips to the palm of | her hand. T believe" he whispered | softly. T believe my Father will"
 THE RECLUSE.