The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-02-09
The EVENING STORY
In Prison.

| BY M j. Gnlll4pS-J
whats the matter. sir?" queried
| the old s'trusty' who was sweeping out
the warden's private office.
He asked the question of a young
man who had come in from the cor
ridor. The latter, like the trusty, wore
gray shirt-gray in Menlo prison is
the badge of good Observation-Disclosures
of slightly different cut. He was a
personabIe chap. 1.-the, vigorous 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.
THE deputy warden hit me and 1
fell against corner OF the window
ledge" he painted.
Neither noticed a youns girl who who
office. and had heard the young man s
answer She was quietly, though rlcn-
". garbed, with the thoroughbred look
of birth and breeding.
Now her little hands were clinched
her expressive face wore mingled
look of pity and Indignation She came
swiftly into the room
Pardon me, but did I hear you say
the deputy warden struck you ~
Unconsciously she used the tone
which all visitors use to prisoners. The
old trusty quietly shuffled out
Yes ma am" answered the young
man. as he applied a handkerchief to
his injury. He spoke with the air that
well-behaved prisoners use toward
visitors Yet despite his respect
full humility, his alert brown eyes
looked most disconcertingly at his
"And they say this is a model
prison!v was her spirited comment:
ssPerhaps the warden thought he could
deceive us because we are women.
she produced little leather book and
a pencil from her bag, and looked up
at the young man with businessllke
.sId like your name and-numbe
please. and a full description of the
deputy's attack upon YOU
why, ma'am?'' queried the young
man.
+arv. she is Mrs Campbell Banner
man. chairman of the prison commit
tie of the State Federation OF Wom-
ans Clubs. Anything which Will throw
light on the situation in our penal in
stitutions is of value. I'm sure the
state Federation should know that the
deputy warden of MEMO IS poId
enough to beat and disfigure prisoners
even when there are visitors within
The young mans quiet humility
changed to lively concern; Iou
mustn't, you knowi' he cried. That
wouldn't do at all. Please don't men
ton a word of what / told youH
why" queried the girl disap-
pointedly.
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
there was no emotion in her voice:
Still the young man was conscious OF
a feeling of relief that the deputy
warden was not present
Il understand. They would seek TO
revenge themselves if they knew you
told But I want you to promise
sTii promise you anything" assured
sIf.s only this she replied hastily,
confused a bit by the look in his eyes
eff they ill-treat you again write me
at Eyredale-E Ethel Zimmerman. Papa
and the governor are friends. M1ghtn
we get you a pardon?"
Il haven't long to stay here he
assured her 'I don't know what to
say to you for your Kindness lid assio,,,, &c
the rustic of garments and the muir
muir of women's voices came from the
corridor.
tiny pocketbook. and produced a sill |
yer dollar
IT'S all the money I have here"
timidly. Mamma has enough for
With 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 |
TT was all wrong to deceive her
that way" said the young man. to his |
own reflection in the mirror, when she /
had gone. But I couldn't let her go |
and forget me. 1 had to get her in
terested. Now. I wonder if she'll for
give me when she finds out2
ssShe's a good little girl. and a i
mighty sweet one, too. Why. she want
ed to cry over my troubles He
paused for q moment, in glowing. boy
ish awe. by Jove. I 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
mem bers 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. Hammond,
with the enunciation of the pubic )