“It is nearly impossible to give the exact words of this conversation from memory; but such, at least, was its purport.
“He stayed as long as the rules of the prison would permit, and then, having cheered Joe with hopes of a happy issue out of his trouble, and with promises to stand by him to the end, and to bring Lil to see him as soon as she should be able to come, Joseph shook hands with the prisoner and left him.
“The next day the faithful brother returned to the jail even before the doors were opened, and waited until he could be admitted to see Joe.
“He brought cheering news that he had engaged the services of one of the most distinguished lawyers in Carlisle, Mr. John Rocke, to defend the accused boy, and that the counsel would visit the prisoner in the course of the day.
“‘But how is Lil?’ eagerly demanded Joe, more concerned about the health of his little bride than about his own vindication and deliverance.
“‘Lil is better since I saw you and reported well of you. Poor Lil feared that you would be as heavily prostrated as she has been by this sudden and overwhelming blow, but now since she knows that you bear it so bravely, she is more hopeful and consequently stronger. I shall bring her to see you to-morrow.’
“‘Thank Heaven for that! But as to my bearing this infernal wrong——’
“‘Don’t swear, my poor boy,’ Joseph mildly interposed here.
“‘I’m not swearing. Infernal isn’t an oath; but it is the truth. It is an infernal wrong, and I have not borne it bravely at all! I have not borne it in any way until you came to see me, dear Joseph!’ passionately exclaimed the imprisoned boy.
“‘Stop that and listen to all the messages that Lil has sent you,’ pleaded Joseph.