They had never been inside the walls of a prison before, and were awe-struck as they were shown all the mechanical wonders of the place.
Mr. Jamblin inquired if he could see the condemned man, Giles Chudley.
The head turnkey, who had been expecting this, like a cunning fellow as he was, affected to be surprised. He raised his eyebrows and gave a short cough.
“See the condemned man?” he murmured. “This is not a visiting day; besides, I must have an order from one of the visiting magistrates.”
“Lord Ethalwood told me he had given me the order,” returned Jamblin.
“Oh, I see,” observed the turnkey, looking at the paper. “Yes, he has included it in the visiting order. It’s all right Mr. Jamblin. You can see the prisoner; this way, if you please.”
He descended some steps, and the farmer and his daughter followed him.
“In what state of mind does this guilty man appear to be?” inquired Patty.
“He isn’t so restless as he was, miss,” said the turnkey, “not by a long way, nor is he so unruly. Before trial he was awdacious to be sure, made a desperate attempt to escape, cut through the wall, and nearly got away.”
“Did he, though?” exclaimed the farmer.