The Dolores star., 1922-10-20
The Governor.
Decision
By MARY }. sTRINCER

V'ah' governor" said the lender NJ
VIC ueputation, because she is mora
eihheu against than SHINING. Sba bo,
~ Ten years In the penltentiary."
for revolving murder" interposed
'he governor harshly.
of murder to which she was nc
eessofy. She was swayed bv the man
VINO committed it and has maid tba
pehalty of his crime. We want tn ra-
store her to society, to give her bar
.i'ahce Ill life. She is still young she
mas been educated In nrison cho
""s accessory to the murder of a
orute. Her life was far from exem-
P'ary. But what started her upon the
downward road? The man who took
advantage of her youth and Innocence
'he hrst unnamed. unknown man who
made her what she is"
There was a pause In the rovernor,e'
room. Governor Bates was scrunnlono
N uie way lie measured out Justice
Inc deputation knew that nil the
tacts concerning Mary Seyforth would
De carefully weighed. 1t knew that
governor Bates would act according
10 the dictates of his conscience
But he had his sentimental side
and DR.. Anne Pritchard, the lender Of
the population, was playing 1t for all
1t was worth
III every man dared look himself
IN the heart" she said, "who is there
VINO would not say, of such women
There, but for the mercy Of God,
stand II"
The governor meditated He had
released many prisoners during his
term of office. He had been unjustly
blamed and extravagantly praised. He
was not thinking of what the news
papers would say. The business of
the state was in suspense for half
un hour that lie might weigh whether
or not Mary Seyforth should be re-
stored to liberty. 1t was decision that
required almost superhuman clarity.
Her prison record?" he asked.
Splendid" said Doctor Pritchard.
I'll go and see her" announced the
governor.
The deputation withdrew. They had
gained something at any rate, but
they had hoped for more"
That evening the governor went to
the penitentlary to see the woman. He
rose and bowed as the slight, prison
clad figure entered the wardens office.
"Sit down. Mary Seyforth," he said.
you know why l am here. l have
been approached with view to grant
Ing you pardon. You must not be
influenced by undue hopes. Tell me
your story"
The slight figure faced him across
the table, but she kept her face buried
In her hands. She did not answer
him.
You We're lucky to escape the
chair" said the governor judiciously.
"Your life has not been exemplary.
l am not reproachlng you with it;
am summing up the facts. Did you
love Carterf'
She shook her head.
"Then, why in Gods name. were you
an accessory to his crimeT' the gov
ernor demanded.
She spoke between her fingers: Il
was alone In the world. l had been
servant. / had--a child to support. l
couldn't be a servant and support 1t,
and-and Carter came to me and
promised to let it live with us If If
I'd agree What is one to dof'
"You should never have sinned In
the first place." answered the govern
or. but she went on:
ha nlunna1 tn hrp1K
into the old mans safe, he swofe
that there should be no violence
When the old man awoke and cried
ne strangled him with his pocket
handkerchief. | didn't know what he
wns doing. When | knew Il told
him to get out of my sight forever.
"All this does not excuse the fact
that YOU had deliberately placed your.
self outside the social institutions
said the governor.
"rhat's all. | didn't ask for par
don. and IL don't want one. YOU
see, the-the child is dead
"you don't want to go free?' asked
the governor in astonishment.
NO. What should | want my Tree.
dom for? I'm happy here, In way.
"You should have your chance III
lifer said the governor "a chance 10
atone for the past by years OF service
Won are row an educated woman
Won could obtain a position. DOCTOR
pritchard has promised to see to It,
7 have decided to grant this appllca-
t;on. But, Mary Seyforth, do NOT
blame society in your heart. iou
alone are the cause of your misfor-
tunes"
"How about the man-the nrs'
MANI" asked Mary Seyforth quie'i!'
for the first time looking him IN the
eyes across the table.
Into the governors eyes look Oh
horror came. He stared ut her De-
wlldered.
"you. Mary?' he cried in horror.
And the words rang through MS
brain, "There, but for the mercy OF
7