The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1913-12-26
The eTurn.
Of the Page
Copyright by W. G. Chapman,
BY FRANK FILSON

Come along, 752," said the head
warder cheerfully, clapping an enorm-
GUS hand upon the young mans shoul'
der. "The chief wants to say good
bye to you"
The convict stepped out of his cell
and followed the head warder obedi.
emily. Three years of discipline had
taught him to ask no questions, to
demand no reasons. He hardly dared
to hope that the pardon board had
granted his petition.
""Tention! Eyes front! said the
head warder mechanically, and the
convict mechanically obeyed. But the
governor stretched out his hand and
took the convicts in hearty clasp.
THE board of pardons has granted
you your freedom, Graves he said.
II strongly recommended it at the
last monthly meeting. l know that
you will run straight in future. If you
shouldn't, remember that the dishonor
and shame will be mine, and it will
be just so much harder for the rest Of
us. Here's a letter from-your mother
in Mapleton," he added, handing the
missive to the prisoner.
Graves read it and the governor
watched him curiously. The young
fellow had impressed him favorably
ever since he had entered the peniten-
tiary three years before to serve a
first sentence for forgery. He had
been a, model prisoner; but he seemed
curieusy hard. Even now he seemed
unaffected either by the letter or by
his release.
"Yes, sir, I'll run straight in future" ;"
he answered.
Good" answered the governor
And my advice to you is, go home to
your mother. You have about thirty
seven dollars coming to you. Go
home, face the world in your home
town, be a man and begin your life
anew. You will find people kinder
than you imagine. Good morning
He grasped the prisoners hand
again and dismissed him. Graves
went out. Subdued and deferential
though he seemed, he remained total
ly unmoved.
AS a matter of fact, Philip Graves
was deeply moved, but for all that he
had not the least intention of return
ing home. He took the train to the
capital and spent his money in two
days of riotous living.
The second evening found him pen
niless. 1t was cold and dismally wet,
and the long tramp through the dismal
suburbs had not raised his spirits. He
sat down on the sidewalk and buried
his head in his hands. That was the
first time he had ever seriously sonsid-
cred the future.
"Forgings a NUTS game" one of
the other prisoners had told him soon
after he was brought to the Jail.
Take my tip, lad, cracking cribs
the only thing worth while. Why, all
you've got to do is to walk in after
the lights are out, take your pick, and
walk out again. But say, don't carry
a gun, for that don't pay, Just trust
to your legs if you have to get away
quick"
Graves felt in his pockets. AT
the bottom of one, hitherto overlooked
by him, was a dime Graves knew
where he could get all the whisky he
wanted for a dime-if he chose the
time when the bartender was not
looking his way He went there.
Graves tossed off the fiery liquid,
set down the glass, and went out.
New Years eve! He had not thought
of that. This was the evening for
making good resolutions. The record
ing angel was writing the title at the
head of new page of life. What
record would his page show this time
next year?
He walked the streets until his head
swan from the liquor. 1t was very
dark and the rain fell steadily. Graves
was wet to the skin. He walked an
time, until at last, look