The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-08-27

7. C. Bridges in The Baltimore star.
Principal Warder Rouse. Of AIoorlands
Gaol walked down the long corridor OF
hall B. stopped opposite cell 81, and. Sc
Letting key from the bunch which dan
sled at his side. opened the door
A small. elderly man in the blue striped
outdoor dress was sitting on the stool in
the center OF the tiny but scrupulously
clean cell on the bed lay a neat suit of
dark cloth, together with a print shirt a
white collar, and the other essentials OF
civilian attire.
What Marley, not changed YETI" ex-
claimed the warder. "Youu be late for
your train II you don't hurry up"
The convict raised his head, showing a
shrewd and not Unlocking face. tanned 10
the color Of old leather.
NO, Mr.. Rouse, I'm not changed-and
I'm not going 10 change" he said obst.-
nately. Il don't want TO catch no train. %
Don't want 20 catch the train echoed
the warder. But don't you know your
time is up? You're a free man."
Begin your pardon. sir. I don't want
my freedom prefer to stay on ere an
look after the sheep as has been doing
for the last ten years"
Rouse's expression was almost comic in
its bewilderment In all his lengthy ex-
perience of convict prisons he had never
yet known man TO refuse his liberty.
But look here. Marley, he explained.
you don't seem to understand that
you've got 70 go. You're the best shep-
herd we ever had But the law SAYS
that you've got 10 leave Moorlands, and
the law has got 90 be obeyed."
Marley got Ut and followed obediently
down the corridor 10 the door OF the gov
ernor's Office. Grim old Colonel Peyton
raised his grizzled eyebrows in surprise
at sight Of Marley.
What's the matter. Rouse? This man
ought 10 have left the prison half an
hour ago"
Yes, sir; but he won't 90" blurted
out the warden. He says ne wants 10
stay and look after the sheep. as ne has
been doing for the past ten years"
rs this true. Marley?" said Col. Pey-
ton. bending a searching glance upon the
old man.
IT'S quite right sir said Marley ca
gerly. I'D deal rather stay where I
be. I'm all right so long as I'm in here:
but 'ow am I 10 1--we when I get outside?
Who'll give a job 10 a chap Ike me-"
Haven't you got any friends or rela-
tons who viii give you a home OF look
afSsr you7" asked the governor, and his
tone was more kindly than before
NO. sir. l haven't got no friends-at
least not outside Of Moorlands." Reuben
Marley added. with a touch Of uncon-
scious pathos.
Il am very sorry for you. Marley" said
the governor. but for the present you
must change your clothes and leave the
prison"
What you're going 10 send me away"
exclaimed Marley. IN tones Of bitter dis
appointment. Then the old obstinate ex-
preston came back into his face Very
well sir; all can tell YOU IS. it won't
be long fore you sees me ere again. A
chap can always get back into prison II
he wants to-"
He touched his cap respectfully and
marched briskly out OF the Office.
An hour later Col. Peyton. crossing
the prison yard met Rouse
There's a man wishes 10 see you.
sir" said the chief warden. Says hls
names Marley. He's waiting in the
Office"
Marley, What a strange coincidence
said the colonel. hurrying on.
An upright. sQuare-shouldered man Of
forty stood up as the colonel entered.