Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1912-05-05
In Prison

He asked the question OF young
man who had come in from the cor
ridor. The latter, like the trusty, |
wore 3 gray shirt-gray In Menlo /
pfison Is the badge of good behavior
though of slightly different cut.
He 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 a cut beneath his right eye
blood was flowing.
1.-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
the deputy warden struck your"
Eyes, ma'am," answered the young
man, as he applied handkerchief to
his injury.
"And they say this is a model pris-
ONT" was her spirited comment
''Id like your name and-number-
please, and full description of the
deputy's attack upon you"
why, ma'am?" queried the young
man.
II 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"
The young mans quiet humility
changed to lively concern. "You
mustn't, you know!" he cried THAT
wouldn't do at all. Please don't men
ton a word of what l told you!"
"Why?" queried the girl.
ooh, because L" began the young
man, and checked himself. He be-
came the model prisoner again. TT
might be better for me, ma'am," he
said quietly.
81 understand. They would seek to
} revenge themselves If they knew you
} told. But want you to promise
} one thing. please"
''I'll promise you anything" assured
the young man.
ITS only, this" she replied hastily,
confused bit by the look In his eyes.
IF they ill-treat you again, write me
at Eyredale-Ethel Bannerman."
She opened her bag. fumbled in
tiny pocketbook and produced a sill
yer dollar.
ITS all the money have here"
! timidly. Mamma has enough for
both Of us. Please take It."
With sudden Impulse she offered
her hand. He took 1t, gently, his
warm palm met her own. She smiled
family in farewell, but there were
tears in her eyes.
= at was all wrong to deceive her
that way" said the young man, TO his
own reflection in the mirror, when
she had gone. But couldn't let her
go and forget me. had TO get her
interested. Now, wonder II she'll
forgive me when she finds out?"
. "she's a good little girl. aud a
mighty sweet one, too. Why, she
wanted to cry over my troubles" He
paused for a moment. In glowing.
boyish awe. "By Jove, must see her
again. Now to waylay Mrs. Banner
man" He plunged into the making
of speedy toilet.
Two hours later the visit of the
officers and prominent committee
members OF the state federation was
over The president, Mrs. Lucretia
Lorne Hammond, rode back to the
city In the same automobile with
Mrs. Bannerman and her daughter.
"a visit to prison Is a saddening
experience" remarked Mrs. Ham
,nond. with the enunciation Of the
public speaker; 80 many hopeless
faces, so many broken hearts.
81 noticed one queer thing in there
and it's supposed to be- model
institution. met young prisoner In
the corridor with bad cut on his
face. He looked as II he'd been fight
Ing. Do you suppose they still have
corporal punishment here in spite of
their denials?"
Ethel Bannerman leaned forward
with eager, wide open eyes, her
lips parted Mrs. Ba7rerman smiled.
''Was he a tail young man with a
gray shirt?"
Il believe he was" replied Mrs.
Hammond.
Handsome; brown-eyed?"
Il couldn't tell about his eyes;
suppose he might be called hand
some," admitted Mrs. Hammond, aus
terely.
THAT isn't a prisoner. That's Ger
aid Primrose, a member of the prison
board. He's here because there's a
meeting Of the board today. The gov
ernor appointed him because he's
wealthy and can give his time and
thought to prison problems. Warden
Stone speaks very highly Of him"
HE seems rather peculiar" COM
mented Mrs. Hammond Il think l
saw him again, just as we were leav-
ing. He had changed to his ordinary
attire. He was holding a silver dollar
In his hand, and looking at 1t like a
miser. Why, he acted as though he
wanted to eat it,"
ETHEL, you look as happy as a
BRIDE" she observed presently.
az am happy" Ethel replied. with a
sigh of content "And this has been