No one can realize how I suffered. I was not able to work, yet I was forced to do so. I worried through that day. I could not eat the poor food that was given us. Another morning came. During the restless night I had prayed for help from the Spirit World, and I felt that my prayers were answered.
The guard called: “You, I say, that never dies, get out here and get your breakfast and go to work.”
I stood up, and said: “I am ready, sir, but this morning I am so sick.”
“You eat what you get, and in a hurry too, for we want to see you at work.”
I obeyed, and was soon on the road to work.
The prison laws were that we were not allowed to speak to our fellow-men. I watched my chance to speak, and when opportunity presented, I said:
“Friend, how long are you here for?”
He did not answer. I thought perhaps he was hard of hearing, and repeated the words. He finally looked up and moved his lips. I knew he had served some time, as he had learned the sight movement of the lips, and I did not and could not understand that. I saw that I was lost, not knowing how to talk in that way.
The guard said roughly: “You are not doing much. Here, are you watching for opportunity to lay down on me when I am not looking?”
“I am not, guard. I am doing all I am able to.”