“Refractory at crank.”
“I saw him working at the crank when I came here last.”
“Hasn't made his number good, though.”
“Humph! You have the governor's own orders?”
“Yes, sir.”
“How long is he to be so?”
“Till fresh orders.”
“I will see the effect of this punishment on the prisoner and note it down for my report.” And he took out his note-book and leaned his back against the wall.
The simple action of taking out a notebook gave the operators a certain qualm of doubt. Fry whispered Hodges to go and tell the governor. On his return Hodges found the parties as he had left them, except Robinson—he was paler and his lips turning bluer.
“Your victim is fainting,” said the chaplain sternly.