“Never mind, Jim; now you can laugh at him for his pains,” said the Jew.
Inside a little book which the Jew handed, with a show of reverence, to the convict were some fine files and the like to aid him to escape.
“The warden thinks it’s a prayer book that I brought you,” said the Jew. “Now hide the things away, and don’t let any one into your secret.”
Just as they were talking in a low tone the warden ushered in a woman.
“If it ain’t Biddy Roan, me cousin,” said Jim, trying to hide his head. “I don’t want her to see me,” but see him she did, and the good Irishwoman had to go over the whole death scene of the poor mother of Jim, who had died since he came to the prison.
“Now then, Jim,” said she, “if you ever get out and want to be a good fellow, you just come to my place of business. I’ve got a house on the river side, and you’re welcome for your poor mother’s sake, and you may take care of my boats for the payment of your board,” and Biddy Roan, who had been visiting the sick woman upstairs, hurried out of the prison with tears in her eyes.
CHAPTER VI.
Arkwright and his fellow detective, Hammond, for their clever piece of work in bringing the sailor to trial for the theft of the jewels, and the Farren fellow for the pawning of a stolen watch, were both given higher positions in the prison at the Island. They were much pleased with the work, knowing that a higher prestige was carried with the job. Hammond was a fellow who could not be trusted, but Arkwright was the soul of honor, and he had a position next to that of the warden. In fact, there were strong talks of making him warden if anything should happen to the man now in charge.
He was coming down just as Nathans was finishing his talk with Jim. The Jew heard Arkwright calling from the stairs.
“You give Mrs. Standish anything she wants. I do not believe she will last long, and if anything should happen to her suddenly you call me. Do not let anyone have the little tot until I have been notified.”