The Richfield recorder. (Richfield, Idaho) 1909-1931, 1912-08-01
In Prison
Copyright. .sIr. by Associated Literary PresD

He asked the question of a 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
He was a per- enable 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
the deputy warden struck your"
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 full description of the
deputy's attack upon you"
why, ma ann" queried the young
man.
81 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 told you."
"Why?" queried the girl.
ooh, because +" 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.
Il 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 sill
yer dollar.
IT'S all the money | have here"
timidly. Mamma has enough for
both of us. Please take It."
With a sudden impulse she offered
her hand. He took it, gently, his
warm palm met her own. She smiled
family in farewell. but there were
tears in her eyes.
1T was all wrong to deceive her |
that way" said the young man, to his |
own reflection in the mirror, when I
she had gone. But | couldn't let her
go and forget me- l had to get her
interested. Now I wonder if she'll
forgive me when she finds out?"
She's a good little girl, and a
mighty sweet one, too. Why, she
wanted to cry over my troubles" He
paused COR a moment, in glowing,
boyisE awe. by Jove, | must see her
again. Now to waylay Mrs. Banner
man He plunged into the making
of a 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 saddening
experience. remarked Mrs. Ham
mond. with the enunciation of the
public speaker; so many hopeless
aces, so many broken hearts.
Il noticed one queer thing in there
and it's supposed to be a model
institution | met young prisoner in
he corridor with a bad cut on his
ace He looked as if he'd been fight
ng. Do you suppose they still have
CORPORAL punishment here in spite OF
heir denials?"
Ethel Zimmerman leaned forward
With eager, wide open eyes, her i
Ups parted Mrs. Bannerman smiled
Was he a tall young man with
ray shirt"
Il believe he was replied Mrs. \
hammond. 7
Handsome; brown-eyed?'
81 couldn't tell about his eyes;
oppose he might be called hand
ONE" admitted Mrs. Hammond, aus
erely.
THAT isn't a prisoner. That's Ger e
I'd Primrose. member Of the prison 8
GARD He's here because there's a o
leeting of the board today. The gov h
rnor appointed him because he's =
ealthy and can give his time and !.
bought to prison problems Warden
tone speaks very highly of him.
"He seems rather peculiar" COM e
ented Mrs. Hammond. Il think | q
Nv him again, just as we were ieav- r
e. He had changed to his ordinary b
tire He was holding a silver dollar 2
his hand, and looking at it like :,
iser Why, he acted as though he