My Fire Opal, And Other Tales by Sarah Warner Brooks

7/31/2019 My Fire Opal, And Other Tales by Sarah Warner Brooks

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Title:MyFireOpal,andOtherTales

Author:SarahWarnerBrooks

ReleaseDate:May27,2012[EBook#39815]

Language:English

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MYFIREOPAL

MYFIREOPAL

ANDOTHERTALES

BY

SARAHWARNERBROOKSAUTHOROF"ENGLISHPOETRYANDPOETS"

BOSTONESTESANDLAURIAT1896

_Copyright,1896_BYSARAHWARNERBROOKS

ColonialPress:C.H.Simonds&Co.,Boston,Mass.,U.S.A.ElectrotypedattheDickinsonElectrotypeFoundery


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Dedication

TOTHEBELOVEDMEMORYOF

ISABELCORNWELL

THESETALESAREGRATEFULLYANDLOVINGLYDEDICATEDBYHERGRANDDAUGHTER

THEAUTHOR

_TheLilacs_,January,1896

PREFACE.

Inthehopeofinterestingthereaderinthatinsistentaltruisticquestionofthehour--Howmaywebesttreatour_convicted_fellowsinners?--thesesimpletales(theoutcomeofintimatepersonalobservation"behindthebars,"andwoven,almostequally,offactandfiction)areofferedforhiskindly-indulgentperusal.

Mostsincerely,S.W.B.

_WestMedford_,Jan.31,1896.

CONTENTS.

PAGE

MYFIREOPAL1

THESTORYOFJOHNGRAVESEND37

ABUNCHOFVIOLETS65

ADISASTROUSSLEIGH-RIDE91

TUCKEREDOUT109

APRISONCHILD127

ESCAPED209

MYFIREOPAL.

"Well,haveitallyourownway,Isabel,"meeklyconcededAlcibiades;"butreally,now,yououghtnottobeleftherealone.Couldn'tyouhavemanagedtoinvitecompanyforadayortwo--AuntMaria,say,or


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AliceBarnes,orEmmaandthebaby?"

"Company!"mockedI,"thatnowis_like_aman!HereamIplanningtogivepoor,overworkedCicelyadayortwooff,whileyouareallawayandthehouseworkatitsminimum,andstraightwayyoupropose_company_!--which,ofcourse,impliesregularmealsandextrachamberwork.

"No,Ithankyou,sir,notany_company_for_me_,"saidI,risingfromthebreakfast-tabletodropmyhusbandaderisivecourtesy;"andindeed,andindeed,"Iurged,"youarenottogiveupyourownvacationbecauseyourwifeisscaredofburglarsandbugbears,withneighborsasthickasblackberries,withincall,andastoutpolicemansnoozingawayhisbeatagainstourfrontfence!"

Alcibiadessighedandfoldedhisnapkin.Ifeltthathewasstillunconvinced.Nevertheless,hemountedthestairs,packedhisgrip,and,intentuponcatchingthenexthorse-car,bademeahurriedadieu."_Aurevoir!_"criedI,"inthewindofhisgoing,""and,incaseofburglars--

"'Faretheewell!andifforever,Then--'"

alreadyhehaddisappeared,and,closingthedoor,Iresumedmyunfinishedbreakfast.WhenCicelycameintoclearthetable,Irejoicedherheart,byafullconsenttoherlittlevacation.Relievedofmind,sheplungedvigorouslyintotheSaturdayscrubbing,and,havingprospectivelyarrangedmySundaydinner,ofpressedcornedbeef,wasenabledtostartfor"mecousin'sinSouthBoston"attwoP.M..

Asshewhiskedout,withabeamingsmile,abrick-redface,andahugenewspaperbundle,Ilockedthedoorbehindher,andfoundmyself"MonarchofallIsurveyed."

Onefanciesthateven"AlexanderSelkirk"--drearyashislotwas--must

havefoundsomeslightcompensationintheundisputedpossessionofanentireisland.Howeveritmayhavebeenwith_him_,Imustconfesstoacutesatisfactioninthelordlyconsciousnessofabsoluteswayoverthatminiaturerealm--myowndomicile.

Delightful,indeed,wastheprospectofregulatingmy"downsittingsanduprisings,"mybed,andmealtimes,infineaccordancewithmyownsweetwill,absolutelyuntrammeledbytheordinarynecessityofdeferringtothewishes,andrespectingtheclaims,ofmyfellow-mortals!

Along,lawlessafternoon,withallitspleasantpossibilities,laytemptinglybeforeme.Straightway,withbookandwork,Iestablished

myselfontheshadypiazza.Pleasantlyremotefromthestreetitwas,yetstillsonear,that,liketheLadyofShallot,"'neathherbowereaves,"Icouldglimpsethepassingsightson----Street,coulddiscernthedistantpeakof"CoreyHill,"andcatch,nowandthen,betweenthewind-tossedtrees,abluegleamofthe"WhisperingCharles."

Closeathandwasmyownprettyflower-plot,butlately(bytheunitedeffortsoftheentireSimpletonfamily)reclaimedfromadesolatetangleoftomatovines,string-beans,andchickweed,andplantedwith


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greenhousebeauties,which,nowthatsummerwasgone,andearlyfrostsnightlyexpected,hadtantalizinglyputforthabundantbloom.TheSeptembereveningshadalreadybeguntodrawchillinglyin.Bysixo'clock,thepiazzahadbecomeuncomfortable,andIbetookmyselftothehouse.Itsabsolutepossession,atthissombrehour,struckmeasatriflelessdesirablethaninthebroadsunshineofnoonday.

Havingcarefullylockedtheouterdoors,andbestowedthescantyfamilysilverinthegarretrag-bag,ageneralinspectionofthewindowfasteningsseemedthenextbestthingtodo."Letme,"Isaidtomyself,"beginatthebeginning."Inaccordancewiththisexcellentmaxim,Iatoncedescendedtothecellar.NosoonerhadIsteppedintothatduskyportionofmyrealm,thansomelivething,rushingmadlybetweenmyfeet,hadnearlyupsetme.Isuppressedachildishshriekofterror.Irecognisedthecat.Iamnotfondofcats,hence_ours_,whennottakingherwalksabroad,isstrictlyrelegatedtothecellar,where,afterherbestendeavours,miceareevero'erplenty.Ifoundthecellarwindowsnotonlydevoidoffastenings,butpartiallydenudedofglass.Abandoningtheideaofsecuring_that_slip-shodapproachtomystronghold,Ibeatahastyretreat,pussy,meantime,atmyheels,andbrushingmygownwithdisagreeablefamiliarity.

Thedoorleadingtothecellarstairwayhad,inadditiontoitslock,astoutbolt.Icarefullysecureditbyboth,and,astwilightwas

comingon,shot,withawill,thehaspsofsuchwindowfastenings,inthefirstandsecondstories,ashadobliginglyretainedtheirpatentadjustments,and,withhammerandnails,proceededtosecuretherest.Meantime,nightwasuponme.Myownfootstepssoundeduncanny,asIpassedfromroomtoroom,andmyhammer-strokes,asIdroveinnailafternail,setmystartlednervesonedge.Inshadowycornersoftheduskyapartments,sinistershapesseemedlurking.Imaginaryfootfallsechoedweirdlyinthechambersabove.Thecatpurringoffensively,andstilldoggingmysteps,innocentlycontributedtothegeneraluncomfortableness.Regardless(inthisexigentmoment)ofthequarterlybill,Iturnedonateveryjetalavishflowofgas,untilonesuperbglarefloodedtheentiregroundfloorofIrvingCottage.Reassuredbythisrecklessillumination,Ibetookmyselftothe

preparationofsupper.Inconsequenceofthekitchenfirehavinggoneout,itwasastrictlyinformalmeal,consistingsolelyofsardines,crackers,andlithiawater.

Supping,withnervousdespatch,Iclearedmytable,gorgedthecat(who,intheunwonteddearthofsociety,waspermittedtolodgeinthekitchen),and,makingafinalsurveyofthebrilliantlowerstory,turnedoffthegas,and,matchinhand(andwithadirectnessthatwouldhaveprovedthesalvationof"Lot'swife"),soughtmybedroom.

Lightingmygas,Ilockedmydoor,lookedunderthebed,madeanexhaustivesearchintheclosets,and,composedandreassured,satdowntothecompletionofBlack'slastnovel.Erelong,absorbedin

thefortunesofpoor,love-crazed"MacLeodofDare,"Ibecameutterlyobliviousofmyowndrearysituation.Once,theringingofthesidedoor-bellrecalledmetotheactual,but,havingdeterminedtoopentonoman_that_night,Idiscreetlyloweredthegas,and,peepingfrombehindmywindow-shade,madesurethatitwastheexpressman,andthencoollylethimring.HemusthavemorethanexhaustedhisnotoriouslyscantstockofpatienceereIheardhimdriveoff,swearingawfullyathishorses,ashelashedthemdownthedrive.Itmayberecorded,inthisconnection,thatCicely,somefivedayslater,onopeningherpantryshuttertodriveouttheflies,


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discoveredablood-stained,brownpaperparcelthrustin,andfirmlywedged,betweenwindowandblind.Onexamination,itwasfoundtocontaintheperishingbodiesofthreehaplesssquabs,whichAlcibiades,inarecklessexcessofconjugaltenderness,hadbought(asatoothsomeadditiontomySundaydinner),onhiswaytotherailroadstation.

Whenthistouchingproofofmygoodhusband'sindulgentcarecametolight,Itakeshametoconfessthat,hardeningmyheart,Imockedthuswickedlytomyself,--"The_idiot_!tofancythatasanewomanwouldscorchherselfoveracoal-stove,broilingsquabsforherownhealthyself,withcornedbeef,sardines,anddeliciousolivesathand!"

But,toreturnfromthisdigression--theirefulexpressmanwellaway--Isailedserenelyontomidnight,andthelastharrowingchapterofmynovel.Thenbathingmystrainedeyes,andreducingmylighttothemerestflicker,Icreptwearilytobed.

Afterawholefidgetyhourspentinthecomposureofmynerves,andtheresolvingintonaturalcausesofsuch"noisesofthenight"assuccessivelysetmyhaironend,Ifellasleep.

ThesunwasalreadyhighwhenIawoke.ItwasalovelySeptembermorning.Recalling,withamusedwonder,thegroundlessalarmsofthe

lasteventlessnight,Ibathedanddressedingreatspirits,anddescendedtothepreparationofbreakfast.

Yesterday'scoffee,warmedoverinantna,waslesspalatablethanIcouldhaveimagined,and,easilyresistingtheindulgenceofasecondcup,Icompleted,withscantrelish,myuntemptingmeal.

Theringingofthechurchbellssurprisedmeinmymorningwork.ItwasSunday.Notforamoment,however,mustIentertaintheideaofgoingtochurch!

InC----,bold,day-timerobberieswerefamiliaroccurrences,and,inmyabsence,ourunguardeddomicilewouldbecomeaneasypreyforthe

spoiler.Theouterdoors,threeinnumber,weresecurelyfastened,andIespeciallycongratulatedmyselfuponthecompletesecurityoftheglassdooropeningfromourparlouruponthepiazza,as,inadditiontoitsregularfastening,itrejoicedinanadmirablecatch-lock,thatsnappedbeautifully,ofitself,asoneclosedit.

Asthemorningworeon,wearyofreading,Iwrotesomeletters,andthereafteroverhauledmywriting-desk.Amongmyaccumulatedcorrespondence,Ifoundhalfascoreofstiffly-wordedepistles.TheyhadbeeninditedbyinmatesoftheMassachusettsStatePrison.Toelucidatethecontrollingeventofmystory,letmesay,thathelpfuleffortamongtheconvictshadlongbeenanintegralpartofmylife-work.

Amongthemselves,theywerepleasedtotermme"ThePrisoner'sFriend,"and,whendischarged,andhomeless,theyoftencametomeforcounsel,oraid,inprocuringthatemploymentwhich,naturally,isbutgrudginglygiventotheseattaintedbeings,whom,evenas_visitors_,myfriendsconsideredobjectionable.OnMondays,myweeklyvisittotheprisonhospitalwasmade.Icarriedtoitspatientsfruitandflowers,andreadtothem,sandwichingin,asbestIcould,amodicumofreproofandadvice.


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There-reading,sorting,andbestowalofthisoddcorrespondencebroughtmetodinner-time.Anunsubstantialbreakfasthavingwhettedmyappetiteforthisimportantmeal,Iresolvedtostartafireinthekitchenstove.Havingachievedthisexploit--withthatabsurdoutlayoftime,strength,andpatience,peculiartotheamateur--Ilaboriouslyelaboratedanomelet,adishofLyonnaisepotatoes,andasteamingpotoftea.

Heatedandweary,Ihurriedthroughtheparlours,threwopenthepiazzadoorforawhiffoffreshair,beforedishingmydinner,and,attractedbythegratefulodorofheliotrope,steppeddebonairlyintotheoutsidesunshine.AsIpassed,the"sweetwestwind"whippedtothepiazzadoor.Itclosedbehindme,withamaliciousbang.Themuchadmiredpatentfasteninghad,buttoowell,doneitsfatalwork!Istooddiabolicallyfastenedoutofmyownhouse!Recoveringbreath,andtakinginthedesperatesituation,Iglancedruefullyatmyneighbour'sbackbowwindow.MissPettingrew,mynextneighbour,wasanelderlymaiden,andofcuriosity"allcompact."Nominally(assetforthonhersignofblueandgold)adressmaker,butaddingtoherregularvocationthesupervisionofourneighbourhood,theoutgoingsandincomingsoftheSimpletonswereespeciallyfocussedbyherawfuleye.

Ourneighbourhoodwasnotsociallycongenial.WehadcometoC----for

thesolepurposeofputtingasonthroughHarvard,and,havingnootherlocalinterestinthatcity,weweresimplythenobodiesfromnowhere,andconsequentlyineligibleasacquaintances.

IrvingCottage--socalledfromitssupposedresemblancetothatofWashingtonIrving--attractedusbyanexceptionalallowanceofdoor-yard,combinedwithamoderaterent.IrvingCottagewasadoubletenement-house;anditsnorthsidewasnowvacant.Itswesternfrontcommanded----street;itssouthsideanuninterruptedseriesofbackdoor-yards.Onthenorthitwasovertoppedbyatallstoragebuilding,andinitsrearstoodaweather-wornoldcolonialmansion,onceanaristocraticabode,butnowfallenuponeviltimes,andbecomearacketystudents'boarding-house.Alowpicketfencedividedourrear

premisesfromthoseofMrs.MacNebbins,itsproprietor.Andnow,letmereturnfromthisparentheticinformationtomyforlornself,drearilysurveyingmy"hermeticallysealed"dwelling.

Yes,MissPettingrewwas,asusual,atherpost.Itbehoovedmetotakeheedtomyways--tostepnonchalantlyfromthepiazza,asifbeingintheyardwereentirelyoptional.Takingaturnortwoupanddownthedrive,Irestedamomentbeneaththelordlyoldwillowsthatadornedourgrounds.Ipulledanosegayfromtheflower-garden;huntedthegrass-plotforfour-leavedclover--meantimefurtivelyscanningmywindowfasteningsandprayinginwardlythatsomeunguardedpointofingresstoIrvingCottagemightberevealedtome.

Invain!Ihadtoowelldonemyfatalwork!Notthemerestcrackhadbeenleftexposed.Thecottagerejoicedinaterracedfront.Thusthelowerbackwindowswere,atleast,fivefeetabovethedoor-yardlevel.Apossibleelevationofpiazzachairswouldcommandthem.Imight,withastone,demolishaconvenientpane,andsoreachandmanipulateapatentfastening;buttherestillwasMissPettingrew!HowcouldIbreakandentermyownhouse,inbroaddaylight,andonaSunday,directlybeneathherastonishedgaze?Heavyatheart(andmentallycravingthatlady'skindpermission),Isoughtshelterbeneaththekindlywoodbinethatshutinourpiazza.Hungry,


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discouraged,andforlorn,Imopedtheslowhoursaway,untilthewestwardslopingsunandthechillofapproachingeveningwarnedmethatnightwasdrawingnear.

Luckily,Ihad,onmywayout,thrownaboutmealightshawl.Shivering,Iwrappeditclose,andthen--providentiallyinspired--Ibethoughtmeofaplaceofrefuge,--towit:thewoodshed,adjoiningourkitchen!Itwasbutaflimsystructure,butwould,atleast,bewarmerthananopenpiazza.

Itsinnerdoor,nowcarefullybolted,openeduponthekitchen.Itsouterentrancewas,however,butslightlysecuredbyahook,easilymanipulatedfromwithout,bytheinsertionofathinstick.Ifeltthatanentrancemightbeunostentatiouslyeffected.EagerlyawaitingthatauspiciousmomentwhenMissPettingrewshould,attea-time,vacateherpostofobservation,Isalliedforthuponthelawn,and--stillhuntingforfour-leavedclover--managedtogaintherearofmyhouse.Myogressopportunelydisappeared!Alreadyprovidedwiththeneedfulstick,itwasbuttheworkofamomenttoinsertitinthecreviceoftheloosely-fittingdoor,toraisethehook,andstepgingerlyin.Thankheaven,Iwas,atleast,beneatharoof!Humble,indeed,butyetanimprovementuponanopensky,orevenavine-drapedpiazza!AndMissPettingrewneedneverknowthatIhadcometogrief.FortunatelyIworemywatch.Itwasaslightcomforttonotethe

passageoftheseunkindlyhours.Itwasnowquarterpastfour.Ihadbecomedesperatelyhungry.Mymindrantantalizinglyupontheuntasteddinnerwithin.Longerethis,myteamusthaveresolveditselftopuretannin!MyomeletteandmyLyonnaisemusthavebecomethemerestchips;andthecathad,nodoubt,privatelydisposedofmypreciouscornedbeef.Well,allwasnotlost!Afullhouryetloomedbetweenmeandsunset.Giventhattime,mightInotfindsomeescapefrommydilemma?

ThecolonialmansionoftheMacNebbins'sbackedsquarelyuponourpremises.Andourwoodshedbacked,inturn,uponaroomylawn--nowdegradedtoanopenlotwhichfaceduponB----Street.Intheabsenceofwindowsuponthatwallofthebuilding,aknot-hole,generously

enlargedbyourboys,servedadmirablyasalookout.Atthisinconvenientlyhighaperture,Iwatched(ontip-toe)thecarelessthrong,strolling,inSundayattire,upanddownB----Street.Thiswholesome,buttame,diversionpalleduponme.Myjadedappetitecravedmoreexcitingnourishment.

Mrs.MacNebbins--poor,overworkedbody,withatemperofherown--andmaintaining,single-handed,halfadozenchildrenandashiftlesssotofahusband,sometimesbecamedesperate.Onsuchoccasions,itsuitedher,broomstickinhand,todriveherworsehalffromthehouse,themaids,meantime,lookingapplausefromherkitchenwindows.Myownboys(inspiteofmyprohibition)had,Iregrettosay,oftenaudiblyapplaudedthisconjugalexhibition.Suchaspicyscenewould,Ifelt,

beinfinekeepingwiththesituation,andIblushtoownthatInowturnedmyattentiontotheMacNebbins'sbackdoor,inthevulgarhopeofanimmediateconnubialskirmish.Invain!Mr.MacNebbinssatcomposedlysmokingonhisbackdoorsteps;whilehismoreforcefulhalfflittedaboutthekitchen,intentonthedishingofthestudents'dinner.Nowandthenatantalizingwhiffoftheroastissuedfromtheopenwindows.Bythistime,Ihadbecomedisgracefullyravenous;andwhen,aftertheMacNebbins'sdinner,thecookcameouttodeposittheleavingsinthatobjectionableswill-barrel,closetoourbackfence,IblushtorecordthatIlookedwithlongingupontheremnantsofthis


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(to_me_,Barmecide)feast.Halvedpotatoes,slicesofpudding,andsavourybitsofmeat,laytemptinglyontheover-heapedbarrel.Isighed.Itwaslike"starvinginthemidstofabundance."

Foronewildmoment,Ithoughtofrushingintotheopenstreet,inmymorningwrapper,withashawlovermyhead,andimploringsomebodytobreakintomyhouse,andfeedme.

But,no!Self-respectforbadeaproceedingsoinsane;and,moreover,shouldInotthusadvertisethefactofmybeingaloneinthehouse,andatthemercyofthespoiler?NightwouldsoonpreventthatattemptwhichIhadhalfresolvedtomakeuponthebackwindow,andwhichmight,possibly,endindefeat,glass-splinters,andlockjaw.Itwasnowraining.Theeastwindwaileddolefullyaroundtheshed.Imust,nevertheless,makeshifttolodgethere.Tothatend,Icarefullyconsideredthecapabilitiesoftheplace.Onarudeshelf,nearthewoodpile,Ifoundagummykerosenelamp,repletewithill-smellingoil.Besideitwasatinbox,containingthreematches.Inacornerstoodabarrelofcleanshavings,and,beneaththewash-bench,abasketofsoiledclothes.

Ihadsoondisposedtheshavingsintheformofacouch.Twosheets,usedbutasinglenightintheguest-room,andcomparativelyunsoiled,servedforalightcovering.Onahighpeghungarustyovercoat,

which,onfishingexcursions,hadrepeatedlyservedmygoodAlcibiades.Ithadcometoexhaleaperpetual"ancientandfish-likesmell,"and,inconsiderationofmyoutragednostrils,hadbeenrelegatedtotheshed.Alas!Ihadnotnowthe"proudstomach"whichdistinguished"Mr.F'sAunt;"and,clothingmyselfinthisunsavourygarment,Ithankedheavenforevensoignobleaprotectionfromthesearchingeastwind,nowentering,byeverycreviceandknot-hole,myindifferentlyconstructedsleeping-room.

Drearilycastingmyselfuponthisrudecouch,Iendeavouredtocomposemylimbsforsleep.Unnumberedpoetshaverapturouslycelebrated"therainontheroof."Ihadmyselfonceofferedtoastony-heartedmagazineeditorsome"lines"onthisverysubject;yetto-day,

shivering,starved,andbuthalfhoused--heavenknowsthattheevenpeltingofthispitilessstormabovemyforlornheadwasnothing,ifnotprosaic!Iremembered,too,thatmyonlydoor-fasteningwasaslighthook,easilysetatnaught.

Whatfacilitieswerehereofferedtoaprowlingtramp,intentuponanight'sshelter!When,foramoment,Icouldwithdrawmypoormindfromtheterriblepangsofhunger,itwasbuttofixituponthisfearfulpossibility.Yes,IwasundoubtedlyatthemercyofallthetrampsintheimmediatevicinityofC----!WhatwouldAlcibiades--whatwouldmyboys(campingoutatGreatBrewster,witha_circus_tent,comfortersinabundance,andeveryapplianceknowntoyouthfulBohemia)say,iftheycould,thisnight,lookinupontheirmiserable

relative?But,no;Alcibiadesshouldneverhearhow--byrejectinghissafecounsel--Ihaddedicatedmyselftodesolation.Themiseryofthisnightmustbeforeverlockedinmyownbreast!Ofcourse,Icouldnotbeexpectedtoclosemyeyesduringtheentirenight;and,whenmorningcame--shouldmylifebesparedtillthen--Ishouldbetoomuchexhaustedfromstarvationtocrawloutoftheshed,andshould,should,shou--here,Ifellfastasleep!

Asinglehourcouldscarcehavepassed,whenIwasarousedbyaslightjar,asofsomeoneleaningheavilyagainsttheframeoftheshed,


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directlywhereIhadmademybed.InamomentIwasbroadawake,and,withmyheartinmymouth,intentlylistening.Inowsorelyregrettedhavingleftmylampburning;andwishedIhad,atleast,pluggedthewideknot-holelookingstreet-ward.Theonesmallwindow,openingonourownpremises,Ihadcarefullydarkened,buthadforgottentoscreenthisirregularlook-out.Luckily,itdidnotcommand,fromtheoutside,myimpromptubed.

Directlybeneathit,Icouldnowhearfootsteps.Evidently,aninvestigationwasbeingmadebysomepersonoutside.Imanagedtogetuponmyfeet,andthusawaitthedreadedissue.

Therewasaclumsyscramble,athudonthewetgroundinsidethefence,andthencameheavyfootsteps,evidentlyapproachingmyplaceofrefuge.Thedoorwastried,vigorouslyshaken,andopenedbyacrack;andthenIknewthatsomeonewasmanipulatingthehookwithastick;wasmakinganentrance,asImyselfhaddone,butafewhoursago!Itotteredweaklyovertothewoodpile.Ihadneedtostaymyselfwellagainstit,soparalyzedwithfearhadIbecome.Ifeltmylimbsgivingway;anageofhorrorseemedtopassinthebriefmomentsthatensuedbeforethehookyielded.

Thedoorflewopenwithabang!and,then,--thentheentireshedreeled,darkened,disappeared;andIknewnomore!

Consciousnessreturning,Ifoundmyselfreclineduponmyshavingcouch.Apileofsoiledclothessupportedmyhead;myfaceandhairweredrippingwithwater,whichhadapparentlybeenshowereduponmewithoutstint,orstay,fromawoodenpigginstandingnear,whichIrememberedtohavesetunderabigleakinthewoodshedroof,beforesettlingmyselftorepose.

Besidemestoodatall,beardedperson,holdinginhislefthandasmokingkerosenelamp,andwithhisrightstillliberallysprinklingmefromthepiggin,and,thewhile,anxiouslyscanningmyface.Asmyscatteredsensespulledthemselvestogether,Idiscernedthathisdemeanourwaspacific--evenfriendly.Ifoundhisfacebynomeans

bad,withitsstrongfeatures,determinedexpression,andthekindlysmilewhichdisclosedhissound,whiteteeth.AsIattemptedtorise,hesaid,respectfully:"Prayliedownabit,madam;you'llbeallrightagaininamoment.Youfainteddeadaway;and,uponmyword,Icouldhaveknockedmyselfdownforgivingyousuchaturn.Itwasadeucedsightworse,too,"addedhe,"whenIfoundthatyouwere'ThePrisoner'sFriend.'

"Maybe_you_don'tknowmyfacenow,madam;butIhaveknownyours,anytime,thesefouryears;eversinceyoubroughtmethatfruitwiththeposyofpinksan'old-man'slove,thetimeIwaslaidupintheprisonhospital."

No;Icouldnotrecalltheman'sface;butIrememberwellthatsuchapersonhadsentme,throughthewarden,agratefulacknowledgmentofmylittlekindness,intheformofarosewoodbox,inlaidwithmother-of-pearlandlinedwithgarnetvelvet(hisowndaintywork),andcontainingapaperthusinscribed:

"AdamBeale,to'ThePrisoner'sFriend,'withbestwishes."

Thewarden,asIpresentlyrecollected,had,atthattime,toldmethatAdamwasservingoutfiveyears'sentenceforpassingaforged


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check.Well,here,likeaJack-in-a-box,Adamhimselfhadturnedup.

Itwasnow_my_turnto"takeuntomyselfshameandconfusionofface,"--foundharbouringinashed,alone,andatmidnight!Togivetheman,anex-convict,andalonewithme,inthisforlornplace,thatexplanationdemandedbythesituation,wouldundoubtedlyputmeabsolutelyathismercy,yet,perceivingthattherewasnootherwayoutofit,Iatoncemadeacleanbreast.Thetaleofmywoeswellfinished,thehumourofthewholeaffair,togetherwithAdam'sexpressionofblankamazement,soupsetmethatIendedwithapealofhystericallaughter,inwhich,asIcouldseebythetwitchingofhisvisiblemuscles,goodmannersalonerestrainedmyauditorfromjoiningme.

Wiselydeferringtherelationofhisownadventurestoserenermoments,myconvict,atmyrequest,atoncesetabouttheworkofbreakingandentering.

Thestormhadabated.Itwasnowmidnight,andMissPettingrewpresumablyoffduty.Withemptybarrelsandboxes,foundintheshed,thelevelofasidewindowwassoonattained,andAdam,demolishingapaneofglass,deftlyundidapatentfastening.Itwasbutamomenterehehadentered,andunlockedthesidedoorfortheadmissionofmysomewhatcrestfallenself.

Norwasitlongeremydelivererhadmadeafamousfireinthekitchenstove,and,inhisshirt-sleeves,whilehisdrippingcoatsteamedhardbyonaclothes-horse,waspreparingapotofcoffee,whileIlaidthesupper-table.

Itgoes,withoutsaying,thatmyzestforthismealwasnotslight;andthehungerofmyguest,asmaybeinferred,waswell-nighassharpasmyown.ThecathavingobliginglydinedandsuppeduponomeletteandLyonnaisepotato,mycornedbeefwasstillintact;and,withsometriflingadditions,andthatbestofsauces--hunger--ourmealproveddelicious.

Well,thoughtI,asIbestowedasecondsectionofspongecake,andathirdcupofcoffee,uponmyhungryguest--truthis,undoubtedly,strangerthanfiction!CouldAlcibiades(dearman!)betoldthat,byscorninghiskindadvice,Ihadbroughtmyselftosostrangeapassastobesuppingatmidnightwithanex-convict,wouldhebelieveit?Asformydazedself,wellcouldIhavecraved,withthathistoricaloldwomanofabridged"petticoat,"thedecisive"bark"ofmyown"littledog"asassurancethat"Iwas_I_."

Ourhungerappeased,Adamtoldmehowhehadcometofindhimselfonthatstormynight,onhiswaytoBoston,pennilessandshelterless.Hissentencehad,hesaid,expiredthreeweeksago;and,withhis"freedomsuit,"andtheregulationgratuityoffivedollarsfromthe

PrisonAidSociety,alongwithitsimmemorialofferofaticketfortheWest,hehadbeendulydischarged.Havingamindtore-establishhimselfinhisnativecity--NewYork--hehaddeclinedemigratingtoIdaho,but,findinghimselfsomewhattheworseforfiveyearsofconfinement,badair,andpoordiet,hadresolvedtorecruitforatime,inmountainair,beforeseekinghiscityhome.

WiththeStategratuity,andnearlyfortydollarsofhisownprisonearningsinhispurse,Adamhadsetforthonafrugalpedestriantour.Havingtakenbythewayaheavycold,hehadbeenobligedtolayby,


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forawholefortnight,atacountrytavern;andwhatwiththeboardbill,thedoctor'sfee,andthechargesformedicine,hisslimpursehadbeensoondrained.Recoveredfromhisailment,andrenovatedbythehealingmountainair,hehadfoundhimselfabsolutelypenniless,andhadmadethusfarhishomewardjourney,independenceoncharityforfoodandshelter.PassingthroughB----Streettocraveanight'slodgingatthestation-house,hehadespiedmylightthroughthebigknot-holeoftheshed,and,oninspection,findingtheplaceapparentlyunoccupied,wearyandwetashewas,ithadthenseemedwisetoacceptthenearestpossibilityofshelter;andhehadaccordinglydeterminedtoattemptanentrancetothislightedoutbuilding--littlethinking,ashesaid,tofind,insorudeaplace,aladywhosepersonwasheldsacredbyeverymanintheprison.

Andnow,tomakealongstoryshort,Adam'srecitalended,wedriedhisclothes,washedoursupperdishes,"riddedup"thekitchen,andthentookintoconsiderationthequestionofwaysandmeans.Beforefallingintotemptation,AdamBealehadbeenarealestatebroker,andthoughnot,hitherto,aneminentlysuccessfulone,hemeant,ifpossible,tore-establishhimselfintheoldbusiness.Thishethoughtmightbedoneinthewhirlofagreatcity,whereidentityiseasilydisguised,orevenlost,and--and--andthen--Imayaswellconfessitatonce--itallendedinmyslippingoffmydiamondring(oneofmygirlhood'streasures,andtheonlyvaluablebitofjewelryinmy

possession)and,aftermuchpersuasion,inducingAdamtoacceptitasaloan,andbyputtingitinpawnrealizeasumthatwouldagainsethimonhisfeet."But,dearme!"exclaimstheprudentreader,"wasnotthisamostunsafeventure?"Yes,Isupposeso;butthen,mostventures_are_,moreorless,_unsafe_.And,afterall,whatisasinglediamond,or,indeed,awholeclusterofthem,whenweighedagainstthepossibilityofrestoringamantothesafepathofrectitude,thesavingofasoul?

Thisriskytransactionwellover,Adam,byhisownelection,retiredtopasstheremainderofthisstrangenightinthewoodshed.Ibestoweduponhimapillowandsomewarmcomforters,andthecatpolitelykepthimcompany,glad,nodoubt,toescapefromherdull

imprisonmentinthekitchen.

Asmyconvictwouldbeafootatearlydawn,hisadieusweremadeovernight.Oncemoreinmyownsaferoom,andblestwitharegularbed,bolster,andpillow,Irestedfromthefatigueandexcitementofthelasttenhours,and,onconsideration,feltthatmymishapwasallforthebest.ThoughnotdownrightlydistrustfulofAdam,IstillrememberedthatIhadnot,asthesayinggoes,"winteredandsummered"theman.Imayconsequentlybepardonedtheuneasyconsciousnessthatmybelongings(tosaynothingofmyself)wereathoughtlesssafethaniflodgedintheUnitedStatesBank;forhadnotmynewfriend,buttwohourssince,evincedthateasyfacilityinbreakingandentering,supposedtobeinherentintheconvictandthetramp?After

anhourortwoofuneasyslumber,itwasaninfiniterelieftohearthe"loudclarion"ofanearlycockerel,followedbyanaudiblestirinthewoodshedandaheavyfootstepintheyard.Springingfrommybed,IwatchedAdam'stallformasitpassedevenlydownthedrive.Welloutsideourgate,hewentdirectlydownstreet,andsoondisappearedfrommyview.Afterthat,Islepttheblessedsleepofthewearyandcontent,thoughnotuntilIhadtakentheprecautiontobringfromtheshedthetell-talepillowandcomforterdevotedtoAdam'suse.


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Thesunwasalreadyfourhourshigh,whenCicely'sreturnawokeme.Iscrambleddowntoletherin,and,erelong,wasseatedatthelatebreakfastwhichshebrisklypreparedforme.AsIlingeredluxuriouslyovermycoffee,thisvaluedHibernianabruptlyentered,withupraisedhands,andhaironend,toinformmethat"anastydivilofatramp,bethetokens,hadsleptthenightinourwoodshed.An'Godsaveus,me'm,"wentontheexcitedcreature,"widyurselfslapinaboovelikeaninnocentbabe,an'themasteran'youngjintlemenaway,andmeselftakin'measeatmecousin's!PraisebetoGodyeweren'tkilledintirely!Comeout,ifyeplase,me'm,thissameminute,andsee,widyourtwoeyes,wherethecratureslept."RegrettingthatIhadthoughtlesslyleftpalpableevidenceofAdam'svisit,ImeeklyfollowedCicelyintotheshed.

"Didyoufindthedoorunhooked,Cicely?"Iinquired,awarethat_something_mustbesaid.

"Unhooked,isit?"repliedshe,"indadean'itwasthin!an'wideopen!HolyMary!butit'sthenarrowescapeye'shad!"

"Cicely,"Isaid,decisively,"puttheseshavingsbackinthebarrel.Theywillkindleaswellasever,andthesheetswillcomeout,unharmed,fromthewash.Asforthisfishycoat,whenDenniscomesfortheashes,youmayaswellgiveitto_him_.Thereissomewearinit

yet.And,uponthewhole,Cicely,youhadbettersaynothingofthetramptoMr.Simpletonandtheyounggentlemen.Itwouldonlyfrightenthem,andtonopurpose,asit'snowallpastandgone."

Thatafternoon,duringmyvisittotheStatePrison,IrelatedtothewardensomuchoftheaboveadventureaspertainedtomytransactionwithAdamBeale.Ifoundthathehadbeendischargedasstated,andhaddeclaredhisintentionofrecruitingwhileinthecountry,beforereturningtohishomeinNewYork,"butasforyourdiamondring,mydearlady,"saidtheastuteofficial,"makeupyourmindthatyouhavepartedwithitforgoodandall;for,as_I_knowtheconvict,notoneinahundredcouldresistthetemptationofretainingit."

"Well,"Isaid,resignedly,"letitgo,then;lifeisrepletewithmishaps,andIhavealreadysurvivedmanyadisaster,farmoreheavythanthelossofadiamond."

Whenmylittlefamilywereagainre-united,itwasAlcibiadeswhofirstobservedandcommentedonthecontinuousabsenceofmydiamondringfrommyleft-handmiddlefinger.

"Oh,myring?"Isaid,lightly,"well,Iamjustleavingitoffforatime.Onedoesnotcaretoappeareternallyindiamonds,likeafat_frau_ofaGermanJew."

Alcibiades,leastinquisitiveofmortals,thuseasilyputoff,I

resignedmyselftothelossofmyring,confidentthat,attheworst,ithadnot(as"Mantalini"wouldhaveputit)quite"gonetothedemnitionbow-wows."

Morethansixmonthshadelapsed,when,oneday,theexpressmanhandedmeasmallpackage,addressedinafine,clearhand,andmarked"valuable--_withcare_."

Luckily,Iwasalone,andcould,unquestioned,receiptfortheparcel.Itwas,asIhadsuspected,myring;andgladwasItoreceiveit,but


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stillmorerejoicedtohavefound,unaidedbythelanternof_any_Diogenes,an_honest_man!

Andnow,mystorymight,withpropriety,end.Itdoesnot,however,forIhaveyettorelatehowitwasthatI,thewifeofaclerkinthepost-office,drawingbutanindifferentsalary,cameintopossessionofsosumptuousanadornmentasaMexicanfireopal,superblysetindiamondsoftheveryfirstwater.

TenyearshadpassedsincetheadventurewhichresultedintheloaningofmyringtoAdamBeale.OurboyhadgonehonourablythroughHarvard.WenolongertrembledatMissPettingrew's"awfulnod."WehadleftC----forgoodandall.Myhealthnolongerpermittedmetoengageinhospitalwork,andIhadceasedtovisittheprison.Wewereontheeveofoursilverwedding,andoneevening,aswesatroundourhearthinRoxbury,cheerfullytalkingovertheevent,whichwastobecelebratedbyalittleparty,thedoor-bellrang,andwasfollowedbytheentranceofourexpressman.

Takingalongbreathofrelief,hedepositedonthehalltableasmall,carefully-sealedparcel,which,ashesaid,"had'boutbeentherounds,hereckoned,for,near'shecouldfindout,itstartedfromNewYork,paidthroughtoC----.ThenitcamebacktotheofficeinBoston,anarter_they_hadhadatimeon't_there_,lookin'upthe

folks'atwaswanted,hegotwindon'thimself,andherenowitis,"heconcluded,triumphantly,"landedatlast."

Asitwasdirectedtome,Iwrotemynameinhisgreasybook,Alcibiadespaidtheaccumulatedexpressage,andthemanatonceleftus.

Wewerealittlecuriousinregardtothismuch-traveledparcel--somesimplesilver-weddingpresent,nodoubt.But"greatthewondergrew,"whenamagnificentfireopalring,withsuperbdiamondsetting,flashedoutfromitsnestofrose-colouredcotton,likeacondensedrainbow,circledwithsunbeams.

Inthepackage,withthebox,wasanotedirectedto"ThePrisoner'sFriend."Itranthus:

"DEARLADY:Iamnowarichman.Yourkindnesswilleverbeheldinremembrance;andmayIaskyourprayersformyfutureprosperityinthislife,andapleasantmeetingwithyouinthelifetocome.

"Prayaccepttheenclosedring,withwarmestwishesforthehealth,prosperity,andhappinessofyouandyours.Iremain,withgreatrespect,

"Yourobedientservant,

"ADAMBEALE."

Thatnight,fromafullheart,Iconfidedtomyfamilythestoryofthatstrangemidnightadventure,whosetouchingsequelwasthiscostlygift.DearAlcibiades(tohiseternalcreditbeitrecorded)didnotonthisoccasionharrowmysoulwithasingle"Itoldyouso!"OntheeveningofmysilverweddingIworeAdam'sring.MyfriendswereinformedthatIhadresolvednevertodisclosethenameofthedonorofthissuperbopal;yet,nowthatIamanoldwoman,inthehopethat


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itmayaffordsomeslightencouragementtootherswhoareseekingtolightentheheavyhumanburdenofsin,anditsconsequentmisery,Ihavethoughtthatitmightnotbeunwiseorindelicatetorevealthelong-keptsecretofmyFireOpal.

THESTORYOFJOHNGRAVESEND

JohnGravesend,beingneithergoblin,spritenorfairy,itisbutlogicaltoinferthathisexistencewasderivedfromamortalfather;albeitofthatfather,he,John,hadnotthefaintestconception.

PoorlittleJack!Hewas,whatmen(misusingtheholiestofwords)havenamed,a"love-child."

Hisfatherwasplainlybutaninference;and,astohismother,shewasscarcemorethanarecollection.

Herecalled,fromsomevaguelongago,thefaceofasad-eyedwomanatwhosekneehehadsaid"NowIlayme,"withhissleepylittleheadhalf-buriedinthesoftfoldsofhersilkengown.Herememberedthe

samesweetfacemorepaleandstillandicycold.Hewasnotsayinghisprayer_then_.Hethinkshewascrying.Bethatasitmay;Jackcriedagooddealinthosedays.Hecriedbecausehewascold,hungry,tired,orbeaten;and,lateron,hefellintoawayofcryingforanundefinedgood--asomethingwhichneitherwarmth,food,norrestcouldaffordhim.Thisvaguesenseofirrepletionhadfirstdawnedupontheforlornboywhen,onacertainday,creepingaboutLongWharflikeahalf-starvedrat,hehadseenanotherboyinavelvetjacket,andwithlovelycornsilkhair,foldedinthearmsofabeautifullady,butjustlandedfromanewly-arrivedsteamer.Fromthathouranamelesslongingforthatundefinedsomething,whichtheotherladhadgottenfromthatgentlelady,hauntedhislove-lorndays.

Sometimesheactuallyfoundhimselfcryingforit.Ofthis--andallothercrying--Jack,beingamanlylittlefellow,wassoheartilyashamedthat(tousehisownwords)he"swowednevertoletontohisfolks."Jack's"folks"were--areputeduncle,bytradeashipwright.Acreaturehabituallyredofface;crossinthemorningandnastyatnight;chronicallyglumonweek-days,andinvariablysprightlyonSundays;forthenitwastheshipwright'sprerogativetogetsuperblydrunk!

DuringtheseSabbathcelebrations,theman(havingnochildrenofhisownbodytomaltreat)oftendivertedhimselfbybelabouringhisraggedlittlenephew;who,moreorlessbattered,wriggleddexterouslyfromhisclutch,and,seekinghisfamiliarhaunt,thewharf,thereworeout

thewearyday.Jack'sother"folk"wasthewifeoftheaforesaiduncle;apoor,cowedcreature,withpinched,wanfaceandpale,carrotyhair.Whentheboy,uponaSunday,didnotcomereadilytohand,theauntwasbeateninhisstead.Shedidnotrunaway,thispoor,spiritlessscapegoat,butwearilymountingaladder-likestaircase,tooksanctuaryintheloft.Later,whenadrunkenslumberenwrappedherlord,shereappeareduponthescene,withsetlips,andfacesowhiteandghastly,thatlittleJack,rememberingvaguelythat_other_still,whiteface,creptuneasilyoutintothesunlight,andtriedtoforgetit.


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Oneday,whentheshipwrighthadbeatenhiswifeterribly,andtherewasblooduponhercleanSundaygown,shedidnot,asusual,betakeherselftothat"cityofrefuge,"theloft;but,groaningfaintly,fellproneuponthefloor.Jack'sunclethenmakingadiveat_him_,thechildscamperedofftothewharfasfastashistremblinglittlelegswouldcarryhim.Whenhehadskippedagoodmanystonesintothewater,hadwatchedeversomanycloudsandvesselssailby,andhadseenthecrimsonwaterswallowthebloatedfierysun,littleJackfelthungry,andthoughtithightimetobegettinghometohisfolks.Forlornlittlewaif!His_folks_,unsatisfactoryastheywere,werenolongeravailable.

Hefoundtheshipwright'sdwellingthrongedwithexcitedmenandwomen.Uponthebedlayastill,whiteheap.Fancyingthatitmightbethepinch-facedaunt,whohadsolongpartiallyfedandclothedhim,thechildpushedforward,and,creepingsoftlytothebed,touched,withhisdirtylittlehand,thatstill,whiteface.

Ugh!_His_folkswereneverascoldas_that_!

Repelledbythisicyhorror,thechildstolequietlyaway,and,crouchingtimidlyinafarcornerofthethrongedapartment,watcheditall.

TherewasadealofcommotioninJack'sfolks'housethatSundayevening;andJack'suncle,staringvacantlyatagapingthrongofmen,boys,andfrowsy-headedwomen,andsustainedbytwodoughtydignitariesofthelaw,wasfinallyconveyedabsolutelybeyondthelineofhischildishvision.Afterthis,anothergentleman,inbrightbuttons,summarilyclearedthehouse,andlockedthedoor,withthechildonthewrongsideofit;and,unheeded,hungry,shelterless,andforlorn,theladcreptsilentlyaway.AndthisisallthatJackremembersofhisfolks.Thenexttableauinhismemoryisthatofaship'scabin,andafatstewardinawhiteapron,who,ashewellsremembers,wentbusilyupanddownthecompanionway,fetchingsteamingviands,andcarryingawayemptyplatesandsoiledglasses,whichhad

often,atbottom,amodicumofsomethingstrongandnice.Helikedit--thisfine,fierystuff!--andwhenwholespoonfulshadbeenleftintheglasses,andhehadbeenlettodrainthemall,hefeltascheeryascouldbe;and,atbedtime,wentofftohissmallbunkashappyasaking.Butwhenatdinner-timethesteward,inhishurry-skurry,kickedhimoutoftheway,andcalledhim"ad--dlittlesonofagun,whom(likeasoft-heartedlubber)hehadsmuggledintothe_Argo_tosavefromthepoorhouse,"Jackfleddejectedlytohisbunktocryalone.

Yes,herememberedwell,howalongtimeago--verylongindeeditseemedinJack'schildishmeasurementoftime--thatcruelhungerhadgnawedathispoor,depletedlittlestomach,whenhisfolks'doorwasfastlocked,andheprowlingmiserablyaboutthewharf;andhowthe

goodstewardhadthenfoundandfedhim.Fromthatday,hehadclungtohisdeliverer--hisprovidence--likeagratefulspaniel,and,stillathisheels,herehewasinthegreat_Argo_,sailingonandon,nodoubt,totheveryendoftheworld.

Yes,heknewallthat;andhemeanttobethankfulandgood;butwashe,forcertaintrue,"asonofagun?"Hisfather,asbeforestated,beingbutaninference,Jackconcluded,uponthewhole,thathe_might_be.


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Byandby,whentheoldsteward(whosebitewasinnowiseasformidableashisbark)hadtidedoverhis"hurry-skurry,"and,havinggivenhimhisdinner,tossedhimplayfullytotheceiling,likeaplumplittleball,ashewas,whenhesethimtoplayallmannerofmonkeytricksforhisownandthecrew'sdiversion,callinghim"adrollshaver,"insteadofthatotherobjectionablename,heforgot,forthetime,hischildishgrievances,andwascomparativelycontent.

Helikedtherough-handedstewardwhoalternatelykickedandpettedhim,andwho,afterhisownpoorfashion,apparentlylovedhim.Yet,takenastheywent,thesewerebutuncomfortableyearsfortheloving,sensitivechild;andthenicefierysupsfromthecabintumblerswere,onthewhole,themostcomfortablefeatureofJackGravesend'searliercabin-boyexperience.

Astheyearswenton,frombeingbyturnsanuisanceandapet,theboybecameadeft-handedhelpertohistestyoldpatron,and,comingtoman'sestate,notonlywonfavourwiththe_Argo's_crew,butfoundgraceintheeyesofhercaptain.Whenthefatsteward,inafitofapoplexy,wentoffinafinalhurry-skurry,toDavyJones'slocker,Jackwaspromotedtohisberth.

Timesped.JohnGravesend,fromapoorcabin-boy,hadcometobesecondmateofthe_Ohio_,whenWilliamFerguson,asbonniea

blue-eyedladasonemighthailinacruiseroundtheworld,hadshippedasforemasthandinthatstanchnewcraft.Thenitwasthatourherofirstknewthatsupremegoodforwhichhehadbeeninstinctivelyyearningthroughallhislonelylife--thetrueloveofahumansoul.

WillFerguson,adelicateboyofeighteen,neitherbybirthoreducationsuitedtoasailor'slife,wastheonlysonofhismother,andshewasawidow.Hehadapersistentcough,cameofconsumptivestock,andthedoctorassuredMadameFergusonthatalongseavoyage,ifshecouldbutbringhermindtoit,wouldbetheverythingforthelad.

"Thereisthe_Ohio_,"hewentontosay,"nowinport,andafinershipneversailed."Hercaptaintrustworthy,andhersecondmatepersonallyknowntohim.Onlylastyearhehadcarriedthefellowthroughanattackoftyphoid,atChelseahospital,andif,ashewassaying,shecouldbringhermindtothething,hewouldspeakagoodwordforWill,tothisofficer,Gravesend--JohnGravesend--whowould,nodoubt,keepakindlyeyeonherboyallthroughthevoyage.

MadameFerguson_did_bringhermindtoit,althoughthepartingwasasifherhearthadbeentornfromherwarm,livingside.AndthusitwasthatWillFergusonwentsailingoutofhismother'syearningsightinthegoodship_Ohio_,speciallycommittedtothecareofJohnGravesend,andasseasickandhomesickaladaseversmeltbrine.

JohnGravesendhad,ashathbeenshown,no"folks."Once,inhislove-lornlife,hehadtakentohisstarvingheartawhiteAngoracat.Thiscreature,instinctwithfelinebeauty,hadprovedmostunsatisfactoryintemper,and,havingconsequentlybecomeobnoxioustoanentireship'screw,hadfinallybeendespatchedatthehandofanirefulcook.Afamilyofsevenwhitemicehadsucceededthisunamiable_protg_.Thesetinycannibalshadalsodisappointedthehopesoftheirpatron,ageneralhome-consumptionhavingeventuallyleft,intheoncepopulouscage,butasingleinhabitant.Thesurvivor,


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ultimatelybecomingashippedasthepoet's"LastMan,"fellapreytomelancholyinlieuofmice.Aftertheaboveabortiveefforts,JohnGravesendforesworepets;buthere,now,wasthispoorgreenhorn,Ferguson,alikelylad,andconsignedtohistenderestcare.Why,tolove_him_wouldbe"worthwhile."Andwhen,duringtheirfirstweekout,onthatwild,windynightinJack'swatchbelow,theboy,feveredandseasick,mistookhissailornurse,withthoseclumsilytenderways,forhisownfondmother,and,throwinghisyoungarmsaboutthewatcher'sburlyneck,beggedhimnever,never,toforgethim,Jackmadeastrong,silentvowthatheneverwould.Alas,henever_did_,forthatwashisbitterdestiny,never,_never_toforgetWillFerguson!Thisailingspellwellpast,theladmendedsteadily,andwas,erelong,abletobeondeckandonduty.GladdaysthesewereforJohnGravesend,andstillgladdernights;fornow,theboysharinghiswatchondeck,thepairmight,nightafternight,listentothesea-songatthe_Ohio's_keel,watchthemoonlightsilveringthecresteddeep,or,inthatotherdeepabovethem,mighttracethesplendidconstellationsglitteringclearandfar;Jack,meantime,spinningforWillbewitchingsea-yarns,fraughtwiththesimplecharmofthatevery-dayknowledgewhichisthefruitofexperience,whileWill(whowasabookishlad)might,inhisturn,imparttotheunreadsailorthatotherknowledgewhichisthefruitofstudy.Andthusitbefellthat,erethe_Ohio_hadmadeathirdofherlongvoyage,thismanandboywereboundhearttoheart,withatwo-foldcordoflove,

pureandpassionless,yet"passingtheloveofwoman."

ForGravesend,thiswas,indeed,agracioustime.Nomorecravingforhumantenderness,lessthirstforthattemptingpoison,whichhadluredhisunguardedsenseintheold,cabin-boydays,whenthebusystewardhadunwiselypermittedhimtodrainthespirit-glasses.Thepernicioustastethusengenderedinthechildhad,alas!grownwithhisgrowth,and,attimes,hadevenovermasteredthestrongman.InSamson'smight,aswearetold,therewasbutasingleflaw;yet,_there_,Delilahfoundhimweakastheweakest.Soitwaswithoursailor,andhence,atirregularintervals,thereweredecidedlyblackdaysintheotherwisecleanlifeofJohnGravesend.

The_Ohio_,boundforChina,induetimecastanchoratCanton.JackandWillhadgotleavetogoashoretogether.AndthereitwasthatJohnGravesend'sdemontookpossessionofhim.Throughallthatlongafternoonofdrunkenriot,Will(sorelyastonishedanddismayed)neveronceleftthisfrenziedcreature.AndwhenJackhadrunhismadmuck,and,laboriouslypilotedbacktotheship,hadatlastbeenpersuadedtogetintohisberth,wherehelay,safe,butbrutishandinsensate,theladcasthimselfwearilyuponthecabinfloorandhadagoodlong,sobbingcry--likethechildthathewas--thesingle-hearted,lovingchild,whosefaithinahumansoulhadbeenrudelyshockedandshaken.Onthemorrow,Jackwashimselfagain.Atrifledullandheavy-eyed,yetthesameold,kind,andsoberfellow.Thatnightintheirwatchthefriendstalkeditallover.Jack

retainednodistinctconsciousnessofyesterday'swilddoings.Afterdrinkingmoreheavilythanhemeant,orought,hehadfanciedthatthecrowdhadsetuponhim,and,withspinninghead,hehadrushedincontinentlyuponthe_crowd_,andknewnomoreuntilheawokenextmorninginhisownsnugberth,withWillyetsleepingwearilyuponthehardfloor.Andnow,withFerguson'shandinhisownwarmclasp,Gravesendvowednomoretotouch,taste,orhandle,theuncleanthing;and,throughallthatperilousfortnightinport,heneveroncebrokehisvow.


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Againthe_Ohio_castanchor.ItwasinBostonHarbor,andonaMay-dayevening.WillFergusonandJohnGravesendwentashoretogether.Themonthhad,thisyear,comesmilingin,andjuvenileBostonhadparadedinmuslinandgreenerytoitsheart'scontent.UpontheCommon,therestilllingeredabreathoftheMay-dayfestivitiy.Abalmysouthwindstirredamongthenew-leavedtrees,--adeliciousmurmuringwind,prophesyingviolets,jonquils,andendlessforthcomingspringdelights.

Onsuchbewitching,yetenervatingnights,riotousyoungbloodleapshotlythroughquickenedpulses,and,forthehour,toliveinthesweet,sensuouspresentisenough;thesoulcravesnohighergood.WillFerguson,thusfar,haddevelopednotasteforthatrecklessyouthfulprocedure,apologeticallytermed"thesowingofwildoats."

Alongseavoyage,anditsconsequentsociallimitations,had,however,quickenedintheboyalegitimateyouthfulcravingforfunandfrolic,and,whatwiththewitcheryofthisMaynight,thecomingtoport,therapturousthoughtofhome,mother,andthatgladgreetingofprettyKateBensonto-morrowatSpringfield,hewas,ashelaughinglyaverred,"chockfullofhappiness,andonhandforanysortofalark."IntheheydayofthehourhehadnotallforgottenthatblackdayatCanton,andhad,withinhimself,resolvedto"holdonhardwheneverhesmeltmischiefforJack."

SaunteringidlyintoNorthStreet,thepairwereabruptlybroughttoastandbythegaytwangofaviolin."Afiddle;andawaltz!"ThissetWill'smerryfeetgoing;andwhileheshuffled,boy-fashion,onthesidewalk,asmilingpersonage,issuingfromthedoorofacertainedificehavingoveritsentrancethesprightlydesignationof"DanceHouse,"withan"Hullo,there,myhearties!"beggedthem"Comeinawhile,andseethefun."

Now,JackGravesendwasquiteawarethatinadance-house"thefun"isofaquestionablecharacter.Thatwithinitis"thewaytohellgoingdowntothechambersofdeath,"and,beingamanofcleankernel,hehadnolasciviousaffinitywithadance-house;butherewasWill

eagerlycurious.Helikedtohumourthelad;and(truthmustbetold)he,himself,onthisMaynight,wassomewhatmorallyunbraced.Thusitwasthat,luredonbythemerrymusic,andthecordialsolicitationsofthedoorwaypanderer,thetwocrossedthethreshholdofthisevilplace.Bacchus,beitknown(nolessthanVenusandTerpsichore),presidesoverthefestivitiesofthedance-house,andWillFerguson,soonwearyofthe"fun,"whichwasinnowisetohisliking,found,tohisdismay,thatJackGravesendwasweaklysuccumbingtothefascinationsofthe"JollyGod."Unabletocoaxhimfromtheplace,helingeredon,inwardlybemoaninghisowninquisitivefolly;yetresolved,letwhatwouldcome,toseeJackwelloutofthescrape.ItwasnotinJohnGravesend'snaturetodoathingbyhalves.Whatsoeverhedid,wasdoneheartily,andmightily;and,havingdeterminedto

drink,he_drank_,until--ah,well!thebestialorgiesofaCirceanherdarenotthingsfordescription,albeittheyarenightlyenactedinthedance-housesofourownmetropolis.

Itwasbroadday.JackGravesendawoke.Herubbedhiseyes,andlookedcuriouslyabouthim.Wherewashe?Strange!Hecouldn'thaveturnedin_here_.Hegotup,andshookhimselfwideawake.Twovillanous-lookingmen,havingrisenfromtwoneighbouringbeds,weredoinglikewise."Hullo,shipmates!"saidJack,nowfairlyonhisfeet;"lendahandhere,andtellmewhereIam."


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Thetwoburglars--forsuchtheywere--beingwell-postedintheleadingparticularsofhisarrest,glancedknowinglyateachother,andsmirkedwithsinistersignificancepeculiarlyaggravatingtoJack,andburglarnumberoneremarkedtohisassociate,"Golly,Bill;he_is_agreenone!Wantstoknow_whereheis_!doyoutwig,Bill?Why,myfinetar,you'reinthelock-up,tobesure."

"Inthe_lock-up_!"saidJack;"andhowinthunder_came_Ihere?"

"_Brung_here,ofcourse,"respondedhisinformant,"'tain'taroadfolksgin'allytravelsontheirownaccount,eh,Bill?"Billassenting,withaprodigiouswink,Jackpropoundedathirdquery:"AndwhatthedeucemayIbehere_for_?"

"_Here_for?"respondedthegarrulousruffian."Thunderin'blackjob,mycove!Gotdrunklastnight,and_killed_aman!"

"_Killed_aman!"groanedJack,hiseyesdilating,andhisfleshcreepingwithsuddenhorror."Killeda_man_!MyGod!whatwillWillFergusonsay?"

"Ferguson?Bill--BillFerguson,"growledtheotherburglar."Byjiminy,Tom!hewantstoknowwhatBillFerguson'llsay!Precious

_little_,_I'm_thinkin';he'saboutsaid_his_say!Why,grampus,BillFerguson'stheveryindentercalchapyou'vedonefor!"

OfficerL----longrememberedacrythatwoketheechoesofthelock-uponthatMaymorning.Itmighthavebeentheyellofahuntedthingatbay,theoutcryofamortalinfierceextremity,thedespairingwailofahell-tormentedsoul.

TurningthekeyinthelockofNo.17,hehastilyenteredthatapartment.Onthefloor,facedownward,layaman.

"Coveinafit,"explainedthefacetiousTom."Bill,here,jes'leton'boutthekillin',an'heginahowlan'wentoffinajiffy."

OfficerL----washumane.Goodmen,thankGod!fillmanyofthesehumbleplacesofauthority.Silencingtheboldruffian,hebadethepairhelpraisethesenselessformandadjustitontherudecot.Thisdone,hesmoothedthetossedhair,wipedthefoamfromthepurplelips,andchafedthegreatbrownhandsashelpfullyasiftheyhadbeenlittle"May's,"thedearsicklambofhisownprettyflock.Atlength,theconvulsivethroesceased,andconsciousnessreturnedtothestrickenman.

Likesomedim-remembereddream,thecurt,cruelwordsoftheburglarrecalledthemselvestoGravesend'sbewilderedbrain.Onelookintothekindlyfaceoftheofficerreassuredhim.Feeblyrisingtohisfeet,

hesankuponhistremblingknees,andprayedbrokenlytohearitall.Hewas"allrightagain,andwantedtoknowthewholetruth.Hecouldbearthe_veryworst_,andwouldthankhimforit;indeed,sir,hewould."The"veryworst"wassoontold.

Therehadbeen,explainedtheofficer,onthepreviousnight,adrunkenrowatadance-houseonNorthStreet.Theprisonerhad,unfortunately,beenconcernedintheaffair,and,inthetemporaryfrenzyofintoxication,haddrawnhisdirkuponawoman.Ayoungman,whohadhithertolookedon,takingnopartinthe_mle_,nowdashed


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intoarresttheassailant'shand,andhimselfreceivedthemurderousthrust.Thebrawlershadbeendulyarrested,theyouthcarriedtothehospital,where,hiswoundprovingmortal,hehad,inhalfanhour,expired.

Onhisbodyasmalldiaryhadbeenfound.Itwasinscribed:

"WillieFerguson,fromhismother.Springfield,Jan.1,18--."

*****

Will--Fergus-on,Springfield,--18--Will--Springfield--from--his--mother.18--Will,Willie,Will.WillFerguson.Hehadswornnevertoforgethim.Heiskeepinghisoath!Will--W-i-l-lF-e-r-g-u-s-o-n.Thereitis;onthewalls,ontheceiling,upanddown,overandacross!Everywhere,everywhere,the_name_,theweary,_weary_name!

Hehasspeltit,overandover,forwardandbackward,fastandslow,loudandsoftly,againandagain,tillhisbrainspins;andsparks,likewickedlittlesprites,dancebeforehisstrainedeyes,andnow,coweringamonghispillows,hestrivestohidefromthatterriblepursuingname."Smothering?theymeantosmotherhim,dothey?"He

startsfromhispillow,and,wildandeager,peersabouthischamber.Blood!bloodeverywhere!Thebed-spreadisdabbledwithit;ittricklesdownthewalls;itliesinclottedpoolsuponthefloor!InthewindowsitsanAngoracat,white,mottledwithred;shelapshungrilyfromanever-brimmingbasinofblood!Aknifeishangingyonder.Itisadirk-knife,brightandnew.Itshandleislettered.Withachingeyeshespells,"J-a-c-k,f-r-o-mW-i-l-l.C-a-n-t-o-n,18--."Lethimbutreachthatknifeandhurlitintothesea!Heisbound;hestruggles;butcannotgetfree;andtherestillistheknife,horriblyfamiliar,withthe_name_staringathimfromitsheft,untileveryletterbecomesamockingserpent'stongue,hissingoverandoverinhistormentedear:"Will!Will!WillFerguson!"Heshivers;hisbrainisonfire;hecannolongerlooknorlisten;he

canbutmoanpiteously:"Mercy!mercy!Godhavemercy!"Theyareputtingaglasstohislips.Heisterriblythirsty;andhereisnoblood;onlyaninnocentsaffron-tingedliquid.Hedrainsitwitheagerlips.Heiscoolernow.Theroomgrowsdusky.Hecannolongerseethataccurseddirk.Somebodyhadswabbedthefloor,andtheyhaveunboundhim.

Abalmyeveningwind,justtheveryidlelandwhisperthatstrayedamongtheleavesthatnightwhileheandWillsaunteredthroughBostonCommon,wandersinattheopencasement.Itwinnowsthehotair,itbreathesuponhisfeveredbrow,"likethebenedictionthatfollowsafterprayer."Hesleeps,and,inhisdream,isagainwithWill,andonboardthe_Ohio_.BecalmedintheGulfStream,hardbythelovely

"LandofFlowers,"liesthehuge,idlecraft.ItistheSabbath,andthesailors,--idleastheship,--gatheringinlazygroups,havepleasanttalkofwivesandsweethearts(fortheyarehomewardbound).Will,half-reclineduponacoilofrope,readsaloudfromhisredpocketTestament.Hehaschanceduponthispassage,fromthedreamofthePatmosseer:"Andthemthathadgottenthevictory...standontheseaofglass,havingtheharpsofGod."The"victory!"Ah!thatisa_hard_thingtoget!Shall_he_,JohnGravesend,everholdinhishandaharpofGod?Whileheturnsthetextoverinhismind,lookingwistfullyfaroutacrosstheglassydeep,Willsilentlyrises,walks


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swiftlyastern,and,withoutafarewellword,dropsquietlyintothesea.Hestrivestofollow.Invain!Hislimbsareholdeninleadenheaviness.Wrestlingwiththisdemonofslumber,heatlastawakes.Springingtohisfeet,hesearcheseagerlytheempty,moonlitroom.Hecalls,softly,"Will,Will!"Noanswer!Hefanciesagentlesighbeneathhiswindow.Willisthere,sureenough,waitingforhiminthepleasantmoonlight.Heneedbutdropsoftlytothegroundtojoinhim.Slightironbarscrossthewindow;heisstrong;hewrenchesatthemmanfully.Theyyield!Theyaredisplaced,andnowonlythispaltrysashandabitofglassbetweenhimandWill!Thesearesoondemolished.Thewindowislow,and,noiselesslydroppingintotheyardbeneath,hecallssoftly,"Will!Will!"Noresponse.Strange!Amomentagohewasthere!Itiscoolandquietoutherebeneaththesummermoon,andWillcannotbefaroff,--overthatwall,perhaps.Hescalesit."Nothere?Well,hewillrunonabit,andcomeupwithhim."Andrunonhedoes.Onandon,throughthatlongsummernight.Acrossdewy-scentedgarden-plots,overtrimcutlawns,whosetendergrassisasvelvettohisbare,fleetingfeet.Throughmoist,widemeadows,andacrosslow,babblingbrooks,till,atlast,heisuponthelong,whiteroad.Fleetasahoundupontheflyingscent,pausingbuttolisten,andwhisper,huskily,totheheedlessnight,"Will!Will!Will!"hehurrieson.Ahalf-clad,phantom-likeform,breathlesslypursuingaphantom.Themoonsets.Thestarsarepalinginthestill,sweetdawn,when,inthepurlieuofatangledwood,paleandspent,foamgathering

onhislips,bloodtricklingfromhistornfeet,hepauses;and,totteringfeeblyintoanodorouscovertofblossomingunderwood,fallsproneupontheearth.Anangel,withbroadandkindlywing,thegentlestofallGod'sministeringhost,descendstobroodtenderlythisdesolatecreature,--_Sleep_,messengerofpeace,forerunnerofthateternalquietudethatsomewherestaysforallearth'slife-wornchildren!

Ontheensuingmorning,sensationcravingreadersoftheBoston_MorningChronicle_read,withcharacteristicrelish,thefollowing:

GREATEXCITEMENT!!!

AMurdererPretendsInsanityandEscapes!

ThecitizensofTauntonanditsvicinitywerethismorningstartledbytidingsoftheescapeofapatientfromourStateLunaticHospital.Themanwasentered,fortreatment,fromCharlesStreetJail,andhisnameisJohnGravesend.

Ourreaderswill,nodoubt,recallhimtomemoryastheabandonedwretchwho,notlongsince,wasarrestedinthiscityforthemurderofyoungFerguson,amerelad,whomheenticedintooneoftheNorthStreetdens,andthere,afterrobbinghisvictimofalargesumofmoney,butcheredtheill-fatedboy.ThemotherofFerguson,aswillberemembered,diedsoonafter

ofabrokenheart.Whileawaitingtheawardofhiscrime,Gravesend--havingsuccessfullyfeignedinsanity--wasconsignedtotheStateasylum.Onthenightofthe15th,theasylumwatchmanmakinghisroundatteno'clock,foundGravesend,ashesupposed,inasoundsleep.Attwo,therascalwasgone.Beingamanofgreatmuscularpower,hehaddisplacedthegratingofhiswindow,andthusmadegoodhisescape.Thewretchhasbeentrackedforseveralmiles,andweareinformedthattwoefficientdetectives,assistedbyhospital_employs_,arenowinfullpursuit.Otheroutragesareimputedtothis


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daringvillain,anditishintedthatheisconcernedinacertainmysteriousmurder,thatyetthrillsourcommunitywithhorror.Greatalarmprevailsinthevicinity,anditishopedthatthefugitivewillbespeedilysecured.

This"bloodthirsty"monsterwas,ontheafternoonsucceedinghisescape,foundslumberingasplacidlyastheleaf-strewn"BabesintheWood,"inthatflowerycoverttowhichwehavealreadytrackedhim.

Fromthislongtrance-likeslumber--thecrisisofhismentalmalady--JohnGravesendawoke,withstrained,achinglimbs,andbrainyethazyfromdelirium.Restoredtotheasylumandtreatedforhismalady,hegraduallyreturnedfromthatlabyrinthianworldinwhich,formorethantwomonths,hismindhadwearilywandered.

Mindandbodyintheirnormalcondition,hewasremandedtojail,andsubsequentlyarraignedforthewilfuldestructionofalifedearertohimthanhisown.Pleadingguilty,andlegallycondemnedformanslaughter,hewassentencedtoconfinementforlifeintheStatePrison.Unmoved,hehearstheterriblemandatethatdoomshimtolife-longbanishmentfromGod'swide,beautifulworld.Withhim,thefatalRubiconisalreadypassed.Hehasslainthebelovdone.Lifeholdsinreservenoheavierwoe;anddeathhasnotinstoreapangmoreterrible.

ABUNCHOFVIOLETS.

"There'sNeilson,takin'hisafternoonwalk,"saidthegood-naturedturnkey,makingacasualsurveyoftheprisonyardfromthegratedwindowneartheguard-roomdoor,whichhewasabouttoopenformyexit.Neilson!andintheyard?Atlast,Imustencounterthatbadman!Iwas,beitknown,onmywaytotheprisonhospital,carryingabasketofParmavioletsfordistributionamongascoreorsoofmy

fellow-sinners,nowstretcheduponhardbeds,orwearilysittingonharderchairs,inthatmildlypenaldepartmentoftheinstitution;and,nodoubt,noteminentlydeservingofagreeablesniffsatParmaviolets.Atthisunlooked-forannouncementoftheturnkey,acoldshiverrandownmyback,forNeilson,eveninprisoncircles,wasaccountedadesperateman.Hewasbothrobberandmurderer;andforthelastfifteenyearshadbeenservingoutalifesentenceofsolitaryconfinementinoneofthedrearycellsofthe"UpperArch."

Fiveoftheseawfulyearshadhepassedinuninterruptedsolitude,but,sincetheadventofthepresenthumaneprisonwarden,Neilsonhadbeenpermittedtotake,daily,anhour'sexerciseintheprisonyard,asunnyenclosure,openingontheworkshops,thehospitalwing,and

indirectlyonthe"UpperArch."Inthecentreofthiscourt,"thenewwarden"hadcausedacheeryflowerplottobemade,andnow,inApril,many-huedcrocusesalreadybrighteneditsborders.

ItwasjustbeforetheestablishmentofthebeautifulandhelpfulFlowerMissionthatIundertook,notwithoutsomediscouragement,totrythegraciouseffectofviolets,roses,pinks,andheartsease,behindthebars.Inmy_then_limitedexperience,tobelockedoutofthefriendlyguard-room,andsentaloneacrosstheprisonyard,hadnotbeenagreeabletome;and,indeferencetomygroundlessfears,an


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officerhadbeendetailedtoaccompanymefromthemainprisontothehospitalwing.Astheyearswenton,mysocialpopularityintheStatePrisonbecamewellassured,andsomesurpriseatthisneedlessprecautionwasexpressedtomebytheconvicts;andoneattachedprisonfriend(ahighwayrobber)hadevenassuredmethat"ifanybodyinthatprisonshouldlayafingeronme,he'dbetorntopiecesbythemen,aforeyoucouldsayJackRobinson."

Thoughscarcelyconvincedthattheentiredemolitionofafellow-beingwouldindemnifymeforsuch"scaithandscart"asmightinthe_mle_accruetomyownpoorperson,itwasonthisassurancethatIdecidedtodispensewithofficialescorttothewing.Thusfar,myvisitshadbeensohappilytimedthatthedreaded"Solitary"hadneveroncecrossedmypath.Lookinganxiouslyfromthewindow,Imadeahastysurveyoftheyard.Anofficerwasjuststeppingfromthedoorofadistantworkshop.Twoorthreeconvictswere,atvariouspointsofobservation,shufflingacrosstheyard.Well,itwastoolatetoshowthewhitefeather.Theturnkeyhadalreadyunlockedthedoor,andstoodwaiting.Ihandedhimatinynosegay(thegoodmanadoredflowers,andIneveromittedthispretty"SoptoCerberus");andnow,graspingtightlythehandleofmyflowerbasket,"withmyheartinmymouth,"Ithankedhimasheheldbacktheheavydoorforme,andpassedtremblingout.

Withahardironclang,thedoorclosedbehindme.Descendingaroomyflightofsteps,Ifoundmyselfintheprisonyard,and,atthesamemoment,confrontedby,--yes,itmustbethatdreadfulfellow,Neilson,himself!Andasinister-visagedwretchhewas,withhissmall,ferretyeyes,hiscoarsemouth,andheavychin.Heshuffledashewent,and,withanevillook,staredboldlyinmyface.

"Atoughsubject,"Imentallydetermined;but"totaldepravity"isnotanarticleofmycreed,andI_do_believeinhumanity.Inamoment,IhaddismissedallfearofNeilson,inmyzealforhisreformation,and,steppinguptohimwithafriendlygood-afternoon,intowhichIinsinuatedalltheapprovalIcouldconscientiouslybestowuponsoforbiddingacreature,Ihandedhim,frommybasket,abunchof

violets.Hetookthem,and,withaclumsynod,butnotawordofthanks,passedon,leavingmewithalightenedheart.And,now,IstoppedamomenttoexchangecivilitieswiththeofficerwhomIhaddescriedfromtheguard-roomwindow.Wewerefastfriends,andIwasindebtedtohimformanyakindturn.Heglanceddisparaginglyatmyflowers,and,asarelieftomychagrin,Isaid,"Well,IhavejustgivenNeilsonabunchofviolets;doyouimaginethathecaresatallforthem?"

"Neilson?"hequestioned,inevidentperplexity.

"Yes,Neilson,"Ireplied,"thatshort,stoutmanyonder,thereheis_now_!goingintothatdoor!"

"Blessyourheart,mygoodlady,"exclaimedtheofficer,"thatain'tNeilson!There_he_is;can'tyouseehim,thetallfellowwithhisnoseintheair,standingtherebythecrocusbed?Ifthere'sanyflowersintheyard,Neilson'saboutsuretofetchupnear'em."

"Ishe?"Isaid;andfromthatmoment"afellow-feelingmademekind."Ifeltsureoftheultimategood-willofNeilson.Meantime,havingexhaustedtheattractionofthecrocusbed,hewasmovinginmydirection,butsoslowlythatIhadtimetomakeacriticalsurveyof


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thisfamouspersonage,--agrave,quietmanofslenderbutfirmbuild,and,eveninhiscoarseprisonuniform,bearinghimselfwithacertainairof(ifImaysoexpressit)scholarlyelegance.

Suitablyclothed,hemighthavebeentakenforaclergyman,oraHarvardprofessor.Selectingtheverychoicestnosegayfrommybasket,Ibadehim,aswemet,acheerfulgood-afternoon,and,offeringtheflowers,saidtimidly(forIfoundthisgrave,lordlybeingsomewhatunapproachable),"Wouldyoulikeabunchofvioletsto-day?"Absorbedinhisownreflections,hehadnot,untilnow,observedme.Hestopped,cameoutofhisreverie,and,liftinghiswornprisoncapwithahighlyceremoniousbow,tooktheflowersfrommyhand,composedlysmeltthem,andsaid,slowly:"Thankyou,madam,they_would_beveryrefreshing."ThoughNeilson'sdemeanourwaseminentlystoical,hisfacewaspitiablywanandthin,andinhisfadedblueeyetherewasaworldofpatientpathosthatwentstraighttomyheart.

Ashewasabouttopasson,Idetainedhimforamoment,andsaid,eagerly,"Ifyoulikeflowers--ifyou--ifyouthinktheywould_help_you,ImightbringyouafeweveryMonday,asIcometothehospital."

"Flowers,"herepliedsententiously,"_are_refreshing;andifitwillnotbeputtingyoutotoomuchinconvenience,madam,Iwouldbegladtoreceiveafewfromyoueveryweek."Afterthisitwasarrangedwith

theobligingguard-roomturnkey,thateveryMondayafternoon,alongwithhisownbuttonholeposy,abouquetof"seasonableflowers"shouldbeleftonhisdesk,andshouldbesentbyhimtoNeilson'scell.And,moreover,ascertainingthatNeilsonhadno"visitor,"Iobtainedpermissionofthewardentoputhisnameonmyvisitinglist,amongthoseofsomefortyotherunvisitedconvicts,who,inlieuofdearercompany,received_me_onceinthreemonths,inthebigguard-room.Ontheseoccasions,Iwasallowedtobringmysorryacquaintancesflowers,fruit,drawingandwritingmaterials,books,tractsandmagazines,togetherwithsuchsoundmoraladviceascouldbe,--likethe"sheepintheVicar'sfamilypicture,"--"throwninfornothing."Intheirturn,myfriendsconfidedtomesuchpassagesintheirlivesasmightproperlybetoldtoalady;acquaintedmewiththeirdesires

andaspirations,and,almostinvariably,cravedmyintercessionwiththegovernor.(For,whateverhiscrime,eachprisonconvicthopesthat,withsomefriendlygo-betweentopresenthiscase,thatmild-heartedexecutivewillpromptly"pardonhimout.")ButofthisserviceIwasconscientiouslychary.Gladlyitwas,however,thatIundertookthesaleofsuchinlaidboxes,photographframes,andotherarticlesasthemenfoundtimeandmaterialtofashion,theproceedsofwhichenabledthemtosubscribefor"Harper's,"toownabookortwo,or,betterstill,tomakeanoccasionalremittancetosomedependentmother,wifeorchild,leftinwantbytheirownwickedfolly.Ofalltheconvictsonmylist,noneprovedmoresatisfactorythanNeilson.Ourconversation,carriedon,accordingtotheprisonrules,withinearshotofanofficer,relatedchieflytoliterature;

forthissometimerobberandmurdererwasamanofnomeanintellect;andhismentalenergies,nownecessarilydivertedfrommoredeplorablechannels,had,intheseyearsofsolitaryleisure,beensowellappliedtoself-improvement,thatfromalmostutterignorancehehadcometobe,afterhisownfashion,aneducatedman.

Beforehislastsentence(ashetoldme)hehadbeenscarcelyabletoread,andcouldnotevenwritehisname.Duringhisresidenceinthe"UpperArch,"hehad,single-handed,masteredreadingandwriting,andhadmadefairheadwayingrammar,geography,arithmetic,geometry,


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astronomy,andvariousotherbranchesofeducation.Forgeneralreadinghehadadecidedrelish,andacorrectappreciationofliteraryexcellence.Fictionheheldinsupremecontempt,andcouldhavehadbutaslightacquaintancewithit,asheassuredmethat,inhiswholelife(hewasnowfiftyyearsold),hehadreadbutasinglestory,"TheVicarofWakefield."AstheprisonlibrarycouldnotalwayssupplyNeilson'sfavouritementalfood,Iundertooktofurnishhimwithsuchreadingashelacked;andhiscarefuluse,andpromptreturnofabook,withhisfineappreciationofitscontents,madethisworkapleasure.

Neilson'sstory,partofwhichIhadfromhisownlipsandtheremainderfromthewardenhimself,runsthus:

AnEnglishman,borninaLondonslum,andgrowingup,asanyillweedmust,athaphazard,hehad,eveninhisfirsttrousers,gravitatednaturallytocrime.Achildhoodofvagrancyandpettythievingill-passed,inhisearlymanhoodhebecameaprofessionalhouse-breaker.Hehadbeenmadeacquaintedwithmanyoftheprisonsofhisnativecountry,andhadtwicemadehisescapefrom"durancevile,"whenhewastransportedtoBotanyBay,fromwhencehealsoescaped,alongwithanothernotoriousburglarandrobber,whohadbeenhispartnerinthecrime,forwhichtheyhadbothbeenexpatriated.

Onregainingtheirliberty,thepairhadcometothiscountry,and,inBoston,hadtogetherundertakentherobberyofabank.Forthiscrime,theyweredulyconvicted,andsentencedtosevenyearsintheStatePrison.Beforetheremovalfromjailtoprison,oneofthemmanagedtoescape.Theother,Neilson,haddividedhisbootywithhisaccomplice.Neilsonwasthesoulofhonour,thatveryquestionablehonour,which,accordingtotheadage,_may_existamongthieves,and,thoughheobliginglyinformedtheofficersofthe"bank,"where_his_shareoftheplunderwasburied(whichtheyrecovered),and,inasubsequentinterviewwiththeminprison,slippedoffhisshoe,andtookfromhisstocking,andfurtherrestoredtothem,asumofaboutsevenhundreddollars,whichhehadretainedaspocket-money,andthusingeniouslysmuggledintoprison,neitherentreatynorbribecouldinducehimto

revealanythinginregardtotheplunderofhisaccomplice.

ItwasaffirmedofNeilsonthat,inthebaddaysabovereferredto,henevercountenancedviolence,butcarriedonhisprofession,forthemostpart,withoutpersonalinjurytohisvictims,accomplishinghisendsratherbystrategy,thanbybrutality.Andyet,strangeasitwas,thisveryman,ononefatalmorning,--and,oddlyenough,itwasthatoftheverydaywhenhissentenceforthebankrobberyhadexpired,andwithinafewhourshewouldhavebeendischargedfromtheprison,--astheconvictsweremarchinginfilefromtheprisontotheworkshop,madeabrutalandfatalattackuponanunoffendingfellowconvict.Reachingovertheshoulderofthemannexthimintheranks,hestabbedtheunfortunateprisonerintheneck,withashoe-knife,

severingthejugularvein,andcausingimmediatedeath.Therewasnoquarrelbetweenthetwo,andnocausecouldbeassignedforthemurder,forwhichNeilsonwas,induetime,tried,convicted,andsentencedtobehanged.

Allthearrangementsforcarryingoutthesentencehadbeenmade,thegallowserected,theropeinitsplace,andthechaplainrenderingthelastserviceofhisoffice,whenareprieveforthirtydayswasreceivedfromthegovernor.


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Onconsideration,itwasbelievedthatNeilsonmusthavebeenlabouringundertemporaryinsanity,and,ashewasknowntobeamanofpacificcharacter,andcouldassignnocausefortheattack,thoughhehadnevershown_other_symptomsofmentaldisturbance,hewasgiventhebenefitofadoubt,andhissentencecommutedtosolitaryimprisonmentforlife.Thusheescapedthegrave,onlytobeconsignedtoalivingtomb.Atthetimeofourfirstacquaintance,Neilson,alltold,hadbeenabouttwentyyearsinthe----StatePrison.Forthefirstyearsofhissentence,hewasnotoncepermittedtoleavehiscell,andbutforthepraiseworthyhumanityofthenewwarden,hewouldneveragainhaveseenthesun.

Thecellsofthe"UpperArch"arenot,likethoseingeneraluse,onexhibition;but,oneday,inconsiderationofmyhavingneverabusedtheprivilegesgrantedmebytheauthoritiesofthe----StatePrison,IwaskindlypermittedtovisitNeilsoninhisownapartment.

Followingmyguide,Ipassedthroughadamp,narrowcorridor,gloomytooppressiveness,andlinedwithgrimirondoors,eachstoutlysecuredwithbarandpadlock.Manyofthesecellsaretemporarilyinhabitedbyrefractoryprisoners,and,asIwent,adiscordantchorusofgroans,yells,andoaths,mingledwiththedissonanceofmaniacalmirthfromsomeill-balancedwretch,gonemadinthishorriblesolitude,salutedmyunwillingear.Ontheextremeendofthedoleful

corridor,anarrow,cobwebbedwindowsheditsfeeblelight.Pausingattheleft-handcornercell,myconductorfittedhiskeytothepadlock,turnedit,removedtheheavybar,and,throwingbackthedoor,usheredmeintoNeilson'spresence.

Ifoundthecellsomewhatlargerthantheordinaryprivatecompartmentoftheprison,butindescribablydamp,fetid,anddismal.Anarrowloophole,glazed,gratedand"hermeticallysealed,"admittedadimglimmerofday.Asmallaperture,orwicket,nearthebottomofitsdoor,andevidentlymadeforthedoublepurposeofadmittingairandfood,wasnowtightlyclosed.

Forfurniture,theplacecontainedarudebed,withmattressofstraw,

grimysheets,andameagreallowanceofcoarsegrayblankets,withapillowofhusks,orstraw,aroughtableofpine,ashelfforbooks,andastool.Onthetablestoodarustytincup,abottleofvinegar,apepper-box,andacupofdingysalt.Italsoheldtwoironspoons,ahorn-handledknifeandfork,andaBible.Theshelfwaswellfilledwithbooks,andamongthemstoodaglasspicklejar,nowsacredtoNeilson'sbouquets,andstillholdingafewwitheredflowers.

Neilson,himself,washalfreclineduponhisbed,andintentuponabook.AsIentered,hearoseinsomeconfusion.Acall,withNeilson,wasscarceapossibleoccurrence.Hiscomposure,however,wassoonregained,and,bowingceremoniously,hebademegood-day,and,withcordialdignity,didthehonoursofhiscell.

Heexhibited,withpride,hissmalllibrary,andcalledmyespecialattentiontotheexcellenceoftheshelf,whichhehadmadeforhispreciousvolumes,aboutfifteenortwentyinnumber.IhadbroughtNeilsonamodicumofthatJune,whosesunshinecomesalikeforGod'sgoodandevilchildren,intheshapeofagreatbunchofdamaskroses.Fillinghisjarfromtherustytincup,hearrangedthemwithtendercare,andtheirgratefulodoursoonpervadedthisdrearyplace.Aboxofripe,redstrawberriesJunehadalso,onthisoccasion,donatedtoherindifferentpensioner;andnow,gladtoleavebehindmeeventhis


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poorbitofsummer,Itookalastsadsurveyofthesorryplace,andbadeNeilsonadieu.AsIwentgratefullybacktoGod'sdaylight,musinguponthemanandhisdismal,lifelongabode,itseemednowonderthat,mopingforfifteenyearsinthischeerlesscell,hisbrainshould,attimes,havesuccumbedtothehorrorsofthesituation,forthewardenhadtoldmethatsometimesNeilson"wentoutofhishead."Itwasthenthat,pursuedbytheavengingshadeof"Morris,"themanwhomhehadmurdered,hisshrieksarousedthenightpatrol,whomustcallthewardenfromhisbed,tolaythepoorphantom,asNeilsonfanciedthatthewarden--and_onlyhe_--could.

Forsixkindlyyears,itwaspermittedmetomakelifealittlelessdrearyforNeilson,andtoexhorthimtobearwithbecomingfortitudethelongpenancejustlyaccordedhim,and,inmyblundering,imperfectway,tosuggesttohim_divine_compassionbymy_own_.

Thoughundoubtedlyofplebeianparentage,sometinyrunletofgentlebloodmusthavefounditsindirectwaytoNeilson'scockneyveins.Neveronce,inallourintercourse,didheshockmebyacoarseexpression,oranill-bredaction.Inhischoiceofwordshewasevenfinical,andhistasteinthearrangementofflowerscouldscarcelyhavebeenimpeachedbythemostfastidiousperson.Hehad,invariably,thebearingandinstinctsofagentleman.Hisdieteticpredilections,Igrievetorecord,weresometimesinelegant.Thougheminently

reticentinregardtohiswants,hehadmadeboldtosolicitabitofcheeseasanaccompanimenttothemincepiewhichoneachStateholiday(thelegalpie-timeintheprison)Igladlyprovidedforhim,andIwasinstructedthatthe_stronger_thecheesewas,thebetter.HealsopreferredrawonionstoBartlettpears,andmanyalittlebasketofthatpungentvegetablehaveIconveyedtohim,tothesoredisquietofmyownvexedolfactories.Pepper-grass,artichokes,andrawturnips,heheldinhighesteem.

Ordinarilypeacefulandplacid,Neilsoncould,attimes,bearousedtoextremeanger;andIwellrememberhisfuriousprotestagainsttheprisonchaplain,whenthatworthyhadconfiscatedaworkofJamesFreemanClarke's,whichhefoundinthepossessionofa

theologically-mindedconvict,onthegroundthatitwas"aninfidelbook,"andimproperreadingfortheprison.

AstheslowyearswentonwithNeilson,hebecame,gradually,abroken-downman.The"Arch"hadwelldoneitsdestructivework,and,aboutfiveyearsafterImadehisacquaintance,hewasforeverremovedfromitsdeleteriousatmosphere,andpermanentlyquarteredintheprisonhospital,where,incommonwithhisfellowpatients,heenjoyedallthelegalimmunitiesaccordedtotheinvalidprisoner.

Hecouldnowgetspaceforhiscrampedlimbs,hadsomefellowship,_subrosa_,withhiskind,andleavetosunhimselfintheyard_adlibitum_.PoorNeilson!thiscomparativefreedomhadcometoolate.He

wasnowfargoneinconsumption,hadBright'sdisease,andthedoctorhadalsodiscoveredsomeseriousdisturbancewithhisheart.Hisbrain,too,sharedinthisbreakingup,andhehadnowabandonedreading,andemployedhisleisure,whenfreefrompain,indaintywood-carvingorinlaying.Hiswork,oftenfantasticindesign,wasalwaysexquisiteinfinish,andsometimesabsurdlyelaboratewhereelaborationwasquiteunnecessary(forwithNeilson,"thegodssaweverywhere").Hoursofpatientlabourweredevotedtothefinishofthe"unseen."


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Theunanimousgood-willofinstructorsintheprisonshopsmadethedaintiestmaterialseasilyattainabletothepoorfellow,andhisivorycharms,hismother-of-pearlcrosses,andinlaidsatin-woodboxes,found,outsidetheprison,areadymarket,andapricewhichenabledhim,probablyforthefirsttimeinhiswholelife,tobecomethepossessorofmoneyhonestlyearned.InthehospitalitwasthatNeilsonevolved,withfancifulingenuity,formypoorself,themostremarkableofinkstands.Thedesignembracedacamelstandingonaplatformwreathedwithcarvenforget-me-nots,andinscribedwithaLatinmotto,havingsomeenigmaticalreferencetotheforesightedhabitofthecreature.Unfortunately,theplatform,thecamel,withhistwohumps,themotto,andtheforget-me-nots,madesolargeafigureinNeilson'sdesign,thatitsmainfeature,theinkstand,had,virtually,tobeomitted;andcouldonlybehintedatbyashallowvessel,holdingaboutonegoodthimbleful,andperchedperilouslyuponthecamel'sirregularback.FromtimetotimeIwaspermittedtowatchtheprogressofthisremarkablecreation,andwascalleduponforapicturedcamelandsomerealforget-me-nots,asmodels.

Thesomewhatcrotchetycustodianofthehospital,fromdaytoday,contemptuouslytakingnoteoftheadvancementofmyinkstand,onitsfinalcompletiongrimlyassuredmethat,"IfNeilsonhadbeenpaidbythedayforhislabouron_thatthing_,itwouldhavecostabouttwohundreddollars!"Poor,patientfellow,itwasalmosthislastwork!

Hehadnowbecometooweaktocrawldownthehospitalstairsforhisdailysun-bath.Andbyandbyhisseatinthesaloon,wherethemen,whowereabletobeabout,gatheredonMondaystolistentomyreading,wasempty.Helaynowonhiscotinformallycladinafadedprintshirtandpatchedtrousers,bothofwhichheworewithadignitypeculiarlyhisown.Hisheadwasadornedwithatoweringcottonnightcap.Whateverelsehemightlack,Neilsonalwaysstoodoutfirmlyforanightcap.Itwastohimasortofinsigniaofrespectability.Tohislasthourheneverforamomentlostthatsuperiorityofmienwhichdistinguishedhimevenamidthecoarseanddegradingsurroundingsofaprison.Atthelasthesufferedgreatpain,but,astheendapproached,hismindbecamewonderfullyclear,andhelistenedintelligentlytoreading,andenjoyedconversation.

Hegavelittletroubletohisattendants,detailedfromamonghisfellowconvictstonursehimbyday,ortowatchwithhimatnight,and,tothehourofhisdeath,hewasstoicallypatient.

Itwastobefearedthat,inthebewildermentofhisfinalmoments,theshadeofthemurdered"Morris"mightagaintorturehim.Onthedayprecedinghisdeath,afterreadingfromhisprayer-booktheservicesforthesickanddying,Isatpainfullywatchinghislaboriousbreathing,ashelayproppedhighwithpillows,andwithanexpressionofsolemnexpectancyonhisawedface.Fromtimetotimeaspasmofpaincontractedhisbrow,alreadydampwiththedewofdeath.Iwipedtenderlyhismoistforehead,putaspoonfulofwaterbetween

hispoorlips,and,stillmindfuloftheavenger,"Morris,"stoopedtohisear,andwhisperedreassuringly,"You'renotatallafraid,_are_you,Neilson."Heopenedwidehiseyes,and,withahalf-reproachfulglance,replied,distinctly,"Afraid!afraidof_God_!Ah,madam,IwishIwere_with_Himnow!"ThatnightNeilson'sprayerwasanswered.Withmightythroes(forhewasoriginallyamanofironconstitution,allhisforebears,ashetoldme,havingoutlivedtheirninetiethyear)hisspiritwasloosedfromthebodyofitssinandsuffering,toreturntoGodwhogaveit.


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Neilson'sobsequieswereattendedwithaceremonyunusualintheprison,whereburialsare,forthemostpart,butslightoccasions,and,incertainexigencies,_have_takenplacewithouteventhegraceofaprayerfromthechaplain.

Thisfuneralwashonouredbytheattendanceofbothwardenandchaplain.Somethirtymenfromtheshopshadobtainedpermissiontobepresent.Oneortwoinstructorsandofficersof"lowdegree"werealsothere,andI,too,hadbeeninvited.ThechaplaingaveaslightsketchofNeilson'sprisonlife,windingupwithsomewordsofexhortationforthebenefitoftheconvicts.Thewardenmadeasimpleandkindlyaddress.Aprayerwasoffered,afterwhichthemen,withuncoveredheads,filedreverentlytothecoffin'ssideforalastlookatthetranquilwhitefaceoftheircomrade,andthen,withsoberedmien,andattendedbytheirofficers,leftthehospital.Whilethewardenandchaplainmadesomefinalarrangementwiththehospitalofficer,IlingeredbythecoffintoplaceabunchoffreshvioletsinNeilson'slistlesshand;then,biddinghimamutefarewell,followed,withaslowstepandasaddenedheart,thewardenandchaplain;andwepassedtogetherintothegreatguard-room.

AsIstood,withtearfuleyes,waitingfortheturnkeytoletmeoutoftheprison,thewardencametomyside."Well,Neilsonisgone,"hesaid,gravely."Hewasanoldresident,andwillbemissedinthe

prison;and,bytheby,letmetellyouthatyouareanheiress!Neilsonmadehiswill,andcommittedittomycare.Allhislittlesavings,thirtydollars,hehasbequeathedtoyou.Poorfellow,"hecontinued,"nodoubtinhisdayhe'sdonehisshareofharm,but,whateverhewas,Neilsonknewhis_friends_."

One'sfirstlegacy,beiteversosmall,isaneventandoftenasurprise.Neverbeforehadmyhumblenamebeenrecordedinawill.Iwasnotlong,however,indeterminingthedisposalofNeilson'spatheticrequest.Itshouldbedevotedtotheerectionofasimplestonetomarkhislastresting-place.

Incommonwithalltheunclaimeddeadoftheprison,hewascarriedto

Tewksburyforintermentinthepauperburying-ground.

Atmyrequest,thewardenkindlywrotetotheauthoritiesthere,askingthemtodesignatetheburialspotofNeilson,thatImightbeenabledtocarryoutmyresolution.Noreplyhavingbeenvouchsafed,inmydiscouragement,Ibetookmyselftothe"BoardofStateCharities"forinformationinregardtoNeilson'smissingremains.Someinquiriesintothematterwere,Ibelieve,madebythatinstitution,butsoindifferentlyweretheypursuedthatnothingcameofit,andIwasfinallycompelledtothesadsuppositionthatNeilsonhadbeendeniedthatlastcheapboonwhicheventhepoorestmayclaimofearth--agrave;andhislegacywas,accordingly,consecratedtotheprocurementoffruitfortheconvictpatientsin

hospital;and,perhaps,thisdispositionofhislittlesavingswouldnothaveseemedunfittingtothepoorfellowhimself,haditbeenpossibletoconsulthimonthisoccasion.

Allthishappenedtwentyyearsago;andnolighthavingyetbeenthrownonthemysteriousdisappearanceofNeilson'smortalpart,itisreasonabletoinferthatitwaslongsincedismemberedintheinterestofscience;or,that,stillpartiallyintact,itnowhangsfleshlessanddishonoredinsomedoctor's"skeletoncloset."


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FromthesegruesomeconclusionsonegladlytakesrefugeintheinspiritinghopethatNeilson_himself_stilllives;andthat,insomephaseofexistencebeyondthekenofourmeagrepsychology,hismoralevolutionnowgoesuninterruptedlyon.

"ForyetwetrustthatsomehowgoodWillbethefinalgoalofill,Topangsofnature,sinsofwill,Defectsofdoubt,andtaintsofblood."

ADISASTROUSSLEIGH-RIDE.

Itisnightfallintheprison.Inthesesombreprecinctswheredayisneverfairlyadmitted,nightfallsgrimly,asiftheentireprocedurewere,atbest,butapoorbitofirony.Theconvictsaresafeintheirunsavourylodging-rooms.Inthechillycorridors,lightfeeblystruggleswiththesurroundinggloom;andthecellsarehalfinshadow;yet,hereandthere,anunquietfiguremaybediscerned,pacingitsirksomeboundswithshort,sharpturns,orstandingmoodilyatitsgrateddoor;anunknownoutcast;aunitinanaggregateof

sin-wreckedhumanity;yet(asGodknows)endowedwithaheartakintoourown,--aheartthatcanache,repent,endure,andbreak!

Inthedesertedguard-roomsilencereigns.Thenightturnkeyisseatedinhisplace.Hisbowedheadgraduallyinclinestowardhisamplechest,andpresently,losingitspoise,isrightedwithanabruptjerk.Rubbinghiseyes,hemakesadrowsyattemptatofficialscrutiny,andsinkssupinelyintountroubledslumber.Meantime,yonder,inthe"NorthWing,"aslywhisperinggoesundisturbedlyon.

PatDoniver,theprisonrunner,whosehourofdismissalhasnotyetcome,is,informally,interviewinghisfellow-convicts.ToallintentsandpurposesPatisinnocentlyrestinguponapinestool,subjectto

officialorder,andupontheverybrinkoffallingasleep.Truth,however,compelstheseverestatementthat,betweenMr.Doniver'sdoingandhisseeming,thereisoftenalamentablediscrepancy;but,togetatthe"trueinwardness"ofPat,onemusthearthestoryofthatmagnificentsleigh-ride,which,quitecontrarytohisintention,ultimatelylandedhimintheStatePrison.

PatDoniverisanIrishman,although--ashewilltellyou--"notborninhisownnativecounthry;butnarrowlyescapin'thatsame,"havingbeenprematurelyhustleduponthestageoflifeinthecrowdedsteerageofanAtlanticsteamerboundforBoston,andnotyetfairlyoutofsightofAlbion'schalkycliffs.

Inform,Patislitheandtrim;inface,averyHibernianApollo--ifonemayconceiveanApollowithanosedecidedlytip-tilted.Allthesame,Pat'sfacialdevelopmentisgood.Hismouthisfinelycut,withoddlittlesmilesforeverdimplingitshandsomecorners.Hiseyesarecoalblack,hishairditto;andsuchcurls!TheyarePat'sspecialweakness--thedarlingsofhisheart!AnditisknownamongtheprisonofficersthatPat,havingbeenbiddentosubmitthesecherishedravenwingstotheinitiatoryprisonshearing,hadstoutlyrefusedcompliancetothe"Powersthatbe;"andhadactuallyenduredthehorrorsofathreedays'"Solitary"indefenceoftheinalienable


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rightofanIrish-Americancitizentothepeacefulpossessionofhisownhair!

Inrepose,Pat'svisagehasthatairofdemuremischiefwhichlurksinthevisageofafrolicsomekitten,dozing,withoneeyeopen,inthesunshine.ThisisPat'sstory;andlookingintoprisonlife,youwillfinditnouncommonone.

City-born,hisjuveniledaysseemtohavealternatedunequallybetweenchoresandschool,andtohaveexhibitedlongandfrequentintervalsofuttervagrancy.Attwelve,helosthismother(hisfatherisabeingentirelyoutsidehisknowledge),and,scramblinguptoearlymanhood,asbesthecould,hefinallyrosetothedignityofahackdriver.Subsequently,Patbecameanexperttippler.Thetwopursuits(asonemustoftenhaveobserved)donotintheleastantagonize.Thusiteventuallycametopassthat,withPat,tobetipsywasthegeneralrule;tobesober,therareexception.Itwasafterthegreatsnow-fallof18--,thatourheroresolvedto"tratehimself"toasleigh-ride.Sleigh-rides,in_his_line,were,tobesure,every-dayoccurrences,butthis,asheexplained,inhisownrichbrogue,wastobe"agoodsocialtime,allaloonbemeself."

Tothisend(temporarilyentrustinghishacktoafriendlyfellowJehu)Mr.Doniverhiredafinehorseandcutter,and,withthesame,

"tokapehimselfwarrum,"abigbuffalorobe.Thusamplyequipped,andhavinghispocketswelllinedwithsmallcoin,Patsetmerrilyforth.Thedaywasbitterlycold,thedrinksdelightfullywarm,and,somehow,hetookbythewaymorerefreshmentthanhehad,attheoutset,countedon.Indeed,iftruthmustbetold,atanearlyperiodinthisjollyexcursionPathadreachedthatcomplexmentalconditioninwhichtocount_atall_isamostdifficultmatter,and,asthedayworeon,--saveaconfusedconsciousnessofmoredrinksinsundrybarsthancashinacertainpocket,--Pataltogetherlosthisreckoning.Inthisawkwarddilemma,itnaturallyoccurredtoourthirstyexcursionisttodisposeofcertainmarketablepersonaleffectsimmediatelyathand.Havingatvarioushalting-placesdrunkouthisbigsilverwatch,ahugepencilofthesamesalablemetal,hisnewred

silkbandanna,hispocketbookandpocket-comb,asmartnewnecktie,boughtexpresslyforthissuperboccasion,and,lastofall,hisdrab,many-capedovercoat,itnowbecameobvioustohismindthat,intheincreasingwarmthoftemperature,--consequentuponinfinitepotations,--abuffalorobewasbutthemerestofsuperfluities.Havingarrivedatthisstoicalconclusion,Pat,thereafter,retainsbutaconfusedrecollectionofthisdisastrousexcursion."Anobleegin'gintlemun,"asheremembers,hadthegoodnesstoexchangewhiskeyforwildbuffaloes,whichhe,Pat,proposedtohuntanddrivehitherincountlessherds.Patawokethenextmorning,tofindhimselfinthelock-up,chargedwithdrunkennessandthetheftofabuffalorobe.

Thesmartcutter,withitsunconsciousoccupant,hadbeenobligingly

deliveredbythefaggedbutsagacioussteedtoitsproprietor,who,minushisbuffalorobe,had,inturn,deliveredPattothepolice.

Onthiscount,depositedinjail,Patrickpassedthesorryintervalbetweencommitmentandtrialinfightingthebluedevils,whoseonsets,atthisadvancedstageofalcoholicexcess,werenot,asonemayimagine,feworfarbetween.

Pathad,however,agenuineIrishconstitution,andnolackofIrishcombativeness.And,unaidedandalone,hegrappledvigourouslywith


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thefiercedevilsofdeliriumtremens,and,hadhe_not_worstedthem,unaidedandalone,hewouldprobablyhaveperished.Destiny,however,havingbetter(andalso_worse_)thingsinstoreforMr.Doniver,hedid,atlast,worstthem,and,whenthedayforhistrialcame,hewas--foronceinhisadultexistence--austerelysober.

Andnowitwouldnothavegonehardwiththefellow,sincethispettylarcenymighthavebeenexpiatedbyashorttermintheHouseofCorrection,hadnotoneofthosemischievousbirdswhocarrytaleswhisperedincourtthatPatDoniverwasanotoriousdrunkard.

"Inebriation,"severelyremarkedthejudgetothecounselonhisleft,whosebreathexhaledanunmistakableodourofbrandy,"inebriation,sir,isbecomingrampantinourcommunity,andIshallfinditmydutytomakeofthecasebeforemeanimpressiveexample;"andthereupon,thejuryhavingalreadyreturnedaverdictofguilty,thejudge,fidgetinginhisseat(hisdinnerhourbeinglongsincepassed,andhistempersomewhatcholeric),lookedstraightatPat,thoughtofthealarmingincreaseofdrunkennessinourmidst,andgavehimfiveyearsintheStatePrison.

HavingthusjudiciallyfinishedPatDoniver,withasighofrelief,thejudgedismissedthecase,andwenttodinner.

*****

Intheprison,aselsewhere,good-naturedPatwongeneralfavour,and,inthesecondyearofhisincarceration,WardenFlintgavehimtheeasyandcomparativelyagreeablepositionofrunner.

Hitherto,thesluggishcurrentofMr.Doniver'sprisonlifehadpursuedthedull,eventenorofitsway.Now,Destinyhadgraciouslywidenedthesphereofhisactivities.Withoutanatomofdownrightviciousnessinhiscomposition,Patwasaninbornrogue,anditwashisprimedelighttooutwitthesharp-eyedofficersoftheprison;toplanandexecuteundertheirverynosesanendlessvarietyofharmlessmischief.Often,inthekindnessofhiswarmIrishheart,hedid

mischief"thatgoodmightcome;"oftener,hewroughtitforitsownrelishingsake.

OneofthedutiesconsequentuponPat'svocationwastheconveyanceofmealstocertainunrulyprisonspirits,who,--choosing,likeMilton'sDevil,ratherto"reignindarknessthanserveinlight,"--consumeinpenalsolitudetheirscantydoleofbreadandwater;manyaslybitofrelishingpork,savedfromhisownmeagreportion,andsnuglysandwichedbetweencoarseslicesofbread,solacedthesehungrywretches.Oftendidacertainwater-prooftinbox,--conveyedforthissinfulpurposetoourtricksypurveyor,bythatundergroundexpresswhosemysteri

My Fire Opal, And Other Tales by Sarah Warner Brooks

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