As I was locked in for the night I was tired and sick—heart-sick. I could not see, for the life of me, how I could stand many years of prison life. At last I closed my eyes for the night—a long, dark, dreaming one. When a child I ofttimes sat at my mother’s knee, before I was sent to bed, and was taught my prayers; to ask Our Father in Heaven to watch over me. The next day I knelt and prayed as I had long years ago for my dear old mother, and asked God to help me the following day.
Somehow I felt better after I prayed. Eight o’clock was the hour for work to begin, and I was somewhat encouraged that morning. I knew not why. Perhaps the kindness which was shown me by my fellow-prisoner the day before was what lightened my heart.
The day’s work had begun when I was spoken to by a gruff voice, and told that I was wanted at the office.
My heart was crushed. I thought perhaps I was to undergo some painful ordeal, as heretofore. I could not keep up courage to get to the office. I was trembling with fear when I entered. I did not ask what I was wanted for. I felt that I should know soon enough.
Suddenly the officer looked up and smiled. I did not understand the meaning and remained silent. He then spoke as if I were a guest instead of a prisoner:
“Well, sir, I have some work for you to do. I want to find out who the lady is I see here and don’t see here, although I hear her voice, and she seems to be calling your name. Do you or can you explain the mystery?”
At that moment I could not speak. After a few moments, I tried to answer in this way:
“I am not able to give any information whatever. I know not whom you see or hear.”
“Well, sir, can you account for your mysterious freedom from the rack?”
“I am not able to do so.”