The record., 1912-04-18
In Prison


lie asked the question OF young
man who had come in from the cor
ridor. The latter, like the trusty,
wore a gray shirt-gray In MenlO
prison is the badge of good behavior
though of slightly different cut
lie was a personable chap, 1.-the. Wig.
orous and erect, on this side OF thirty.
Now he breathed heavily, as If from
recent exertion, his hair was rumpled
and from cut beneath his right eye
blood was flowing.
"The deputy warden hit me and
/ fell against the corner of the window
ledge" he painted.
Neither noticed young girl who
had come TO the door of the public
office, and had heard the young mans
| answer.
Now her little hands were
clenched; her expressive face wore a
mingled look of pity and indigna.
| ton. She came swiftly into the room
Pardon me, but did | hear you say
tic deputy warden struck you?"
"Yes, ma'am." answered the young
man, as he applied handkerchief to
his injury.
"And they say this is a model pris
| on" was her spirited comment
I'D like your name and-number-
please, and a full description of the
deputy's attack upon you"
why. ma'am?" queried the young
man.
Il am my mothers private secre
tary. She is Mrs. Campbell Banner
man, chairman of the prison com
mittee of the State Federation OF
Woman's Clubs"
changed TO lively concern. "Yor
mustn't. you know" he cried. THAT
wouldn't do at all. Please don't men
tion a word of what told you!"
''Why?" queried the girl.
"Oh. because I" began the young
man, and checked himself. lie be
came the model prisoner again. 1T
might be better for me, ma'am." ht
said quietly.
u understand. They would seek Il
revenge themselves If they knew yol
told. But ! want you to promis,
one thing. please"
"Ill promise you anything!" assured
the young man.
'1ts only this" she replied hastily
confused a bit by the look In hisseyes
IF they ill-treat you again. write m,
at Eyredale-Ethel Bannerman."
| Che hoD In ,
tiny pocketbook and produced a sill
yer dollar.
It's all the money l have here,
timidly. Mamma has enough fol
both of us. Please take It,"
With a sudden impulse she Offered
her hand. He took it. gently. hi
warm palm met her own. She smiled
family in farewell, but there wer,
tears in her eyes.
1T was all wrong to deceive he
that way" said the young man, to hi
own reflection in the mirror. wheI
she had gone. But couldn't let hel
go and forget me. had to get hel
interested. Now, I wonder If shell
forgive me when she finds out?'
"She's good little girl, and /,
mighty sweet one, too. Why, sh'
wanted to cry over my troubles" H,
paused for a moment, In glowing
poyish awe. "I3y Jove, ] must see he
again. Now to waylay Mrs. Banner
man." He plunged into the making
of a speedy toilet.
Two hours later the visit of tn,
officers and prominent committed
members of the state federation wa.
ovS. The president, Mrs. Lucreti;
Lorne Hammond, rode back to tn,
RitY In the same automobile will
Mrs. Bannerman and her daughter,
"A visit to a prison is a saddenint
experience" remarked Mrs. Ham
mond, with the enunciation of thu
public speaker; so many hopeless
faces, so many broken hearts.
Il noticed one queer thing in there
and it's supposed to be mode
Institution. met young prisoner IL
the corridor with a bad cut on hi
face. lie looked as II he'd been fight
ing. Do you suppose they still hav'
corporal punishment here in spite o
heir denials?"
Ethel Bannerman leaned forward
with eager, wide open eyes, he
, lips parted. Mrs. Bannerman smiled
"Was he a tall young man with ;
gray shirt?"
81 believe he was" replied Mrs
Hammond.
Handsome; brown-eyed?"
81 couldn't tell about his eyes;
suppose he might be called hand
some," admitted Mrs. Hammond, aus
.erely.
"That isn't a prisoner. That's Ger
aid Primrose, a member of the prisol
BOARD. He's here because there's ;
meeting of the board today. The gov
srnor appointed him because he
wealthy and can give his time ant
thought TO prison problems. Wardel
stone speaks very highly of him."
rfe seems rather peculiar" com
AsRted Mrs. Hammond, Il think
saw him again, just as We were leay
ng. He had changed to his ordinar.
attire. He was holding a silver dolla
? n his hand, and looking at it like
niser Why, he acted as though b
wanted to eat it,"
"Ethel, you look as happy as
sride," she observed presently.
, II am happy" Ethel replied. with
, .jgh of content. And this has bee
4 delightful day!"