After his trial he judged rightly enough that he woald be confined in a stronger cell, and have a warder night and day with him, who would watch him as they watch men who are doomed to die, and whom despair so often inspires with unnatural strength and cunning.
Both these qualities he possessed in a remarkable degree; the last-named prompted him to allay suspicion, and to make everybody around him believe that he had no fear for the future.
He sent a message to the governor, requesting to see him.
The governor was a particularly kindly-disposed man, and was indulgent to a fault. He came at once.
“Do you wish for anything, my man?” he said, addressing himself to the prisoner.
“I’m very dull, and doan’t know what to do wi’ myself,” said Chudley. “You were kind enough to say that I might have books and papers.”
“I didn’t know you took an interest in books or their contents, or that you cared about reading. However, I am glad to find I’ve misjudged you. You can have what books you require from the circulating library. You’d better pay a month’s subscription, and then you can look over the catalogue, and select those which take your fancy.”
“Thank you, sir. How am I to get them?”
“The messenger will fetch whatever you require.”
“I shall read a goodish lot o’ books,” said Chudley, smiling. “Was always fond o’ reading.”