“Well, Pearson, we have been holding consultation in the side room—the officials and I, and we have decided to reinstate you, and Pat also. We have decided that this lesson will make honest men out of you and Pat, and trusty. You did not betray Pat and he did not betray you. It was a good principle that you both showed this morning, and we feel that you will work hand in hand together in the future. I wonder if Pat has gone. We will step over to his room and see.”
“I hope that Pat will feel kindly toward me. I have forgotten all, and will always remember that trial—how poor Pat feigned sickness to avoid answering those questions. Poor old Pat! He is a good Irishman.”
“I do believe that he is gone. This is his room, is it not?”
“Yes. Here he has left a note. He has written: ‘Good-bye to all the poor fellows in here. I have served me term and am ready to go, but with tears. I am thinking I am all alone, save God. He is ever near me. Good-bye to all fellow-men!’”
CHAPTER XXIII.
Prayer-Meeting in Prison.
“That is the first time I have seen you break down.”
“Yes, Pearson, I am heart-broken. I shall never forget Pat, not for the sickness he feigned, but for the feeling that came over me when he was praying. I have never prayed, but I am going to this day. And the very next Sabbath I am going to start a prayer-meeting in this prison. If it helps all as much as it did Pat, I will feel repaid for all these mysterious voices and visions which we have heard and seen here. Besides, it may lift up many a sad heart inside these walls, that could get no help except through prayer.”
“You locked the door as you left the office, did you?”