“What we are doing is against the letter of the law, as your pillory and your starvation of prisoners are against both letter and spirit. Mr. Hawes shall find no excuse for his illegal practices in any act of mine.”
He then turned to the artisans. “Girls, you must leave off.”
“Leave off, sir?” cried No. 3 faintly.
“Yes, no words; obey the prison-rules; they do not allow it.”
“Come, my birds,” shouted Hodges roughly to the women. “Stand clear, we want this gear.”
“What do you want of it, Mr. Hodges?”
“Only to put it outside the prison-gate, sir. That is the order.”
The printing-press, representative of knowledge, enemy of darkness, stupidity, cruelty; organ of civilization—was ignominiously thrust to the door.
This feat performed, they went to attack anti-theft.
“Will you come along with us, sir, to see it is all legal?” sneered Fry.