“Keep moving there!” A keeper was speaking. “Go in and bring out another ash can. Finish this load!”
Convict 9648 responded sullenly. He turned toward the workshop. He reached the long rows of ash cans. One container was lying on its side, upset. The cover was beside it.
The pitiful face of 9648 suddenly became the crafty countenance of Herbert Carpenter. The mind of the schemer had returned. A sudden inspiration — a daring opportunity -
The convict picked up the ash can and set it upside down. Upon the bottom he placed the loose cover and rammed it tight. He hoisted his burden and went into the yard.
The ash cans were plain cylinders. They looked the same either way. The keeper who saw No. 9648 pass by never realized that the ash can was inverted beneath its cover.
That container went on the rear of the truck, filling the last available space. The iron chains were stretched across. The convict moved away as the truck began to reverse.
He followed an unusual course, backing away as the truck came toward him. His body was totally obscured by the big vehicle. With a forward leap, the gray-clad man pushed up the ash can that he had last deposited. He slid agilely beneath the iron chains.
The raised ash can settled flat upon the floor of the truck. Beneath its inverted bottom was the huddled form of Convict 9648!
THE truck rumbled through the prison gates, watched by attentive guards. There it paused for inspection.
Ash cans were never overlooked by these watchers. Two men leaped aboard and began raising lids.