“By this time all of the boy’s history was known to the townspeople. Joseph Wyvil had given it to the lawyer, at first retaining him. The lawyer had given it to the reporter of the Guardian on the evening of the trial, and the whole story was published in this morning’s issue, together with the report of the trial.
“There was a reaction in public sentiment. Much doubt was entertained of the prisoner’s complicity with the crime for which he had been condemned. Much pity was felt for him and for his child-wife, in their extreme youth and utter despair. The petition for the commutation of his sentence was signed by judge, jury, magistrates, clergymen and citizens of all rank.
“Joseph Wyvil and Mr. Rocke took it up to London together and laid it before the Home Secretary.
“Three weary days passed before they could obtain a hearing. Then five tedious days before any action was taken on the petition.
“During all this time Joseph Wyvil wrote daily letters full of confidence and encouragement to his waiting, breathlessly anxious sister and brother.
“At length, on the ninth day, Joseph Wyvil and Mr. Rocke received the commutation and started with it for Carlisle.
“It was after the hours of closing the prison. But they could not easily consent to leave the prisoner, who was now the object of the royal clemency, one more sleepless night of agonizing suspense.
“So while Joseph Wyvil went home to gladden the heart of his sister with the good news, Mr. Rocke went to the house of the chaplain and with him to the governor of the jail, and so gained admittance to the cell.
“Joe, who had parted with Lil but an hour before, was sitting on the side of his cot staring into vacancy and on the verge of falling into idiocy, saw through his grated door the low light of the turnkey’s lantern approaching, and roused himself.
“In another moment the door was unlocked, the two men entered, and Joe’s eager, questioning eyes read the good news in their faces before the chaplain took his hand and said: