“Good morning, officer.”
“Good morning, Mr. McHenry.” The visitor was Mr. McHenry, junior. “What can I do for you?”
“I should like to talk with you in regard to your new prisoner, Mr. Pearson. My father brought me the news, and I am not doubting him, but I truly would be better satisfied if I heard it through someone else also. Father was in such a rage that I could not calm him enough to understand the circumstances. I should appreciate your explaining it all to me.”
“My boy, I am very sorry to say that I have to do my duty and the rules here we must comply with. We are not allowed to give out any information in regard to our prisoners, except to the officials.”
“I ask for only enough to understand. Do you not see that I am in trouble? Can not you help me? Do tell me that he is innocent. It means so much to me.”
“My young friend, I understand the circumstances. I learned them through your father. I am sorry for you and for the daughter of this man, but I am powerless to do anything.”
“Could I talk with him?”
“No; I am not allowed to permit any information to be obtained inside of these prison walls.”
“I am sure that it would never be known. I would never divulge the secret.”
“I have confidence in you, but I should not be obeying rules here, and I could not allow you the privilege under any circumstances.”