I really did not know what etiquette to observe on this state occasion; but I slowly followed him. He marched round, looking over the place in silent inspection; then came directly before me, and made a dead halt.
He did not speak for a moment, and I, to relieve the embarrassment, asked,—
"Does the place look to suit you?"
"When it don't, I shall tell you," he answered gruffly.
"It is more pleasant to be told when we have pleased, than when we have not."
He made no reply to that remark; but said sternly,—
"You are not to read the Rules to the prisoners; you have nothing to do with that."
"I have not read the Rules to the prisoners. I can find no rules to be governed by myself, much more to read to them."
"If the prisoners do not obey you, you are to report them at once."
"I believe, according to the Rules and Regulations laid down by the Board of Directors, that I am to admonish them once, and at the second offense report them."