“Well, sir, I am glad that we have found a way to make you work, and you may go back to hard labor.”
The guard was called and orders given to take the prisoner back to hard labor—not the printing shop, as he was willing to do hard work.
“You may try to lift some of those anvils which we have orders to ship. It requires three or four men to get them where we can load and ship.”
Could I do what required the strength of three or four men?
“You may come along here.”
As I was leaving for the shipping yards I felt that I was accompanied by others beside my guard, but I could see no one. Presently we confronted the place of shipping, and I was shown what was to be done. I looked at the guard, and exclaimed:
“Man, do you expect me to load those heavy irons on the truck?”
“I do.”
“Well, I do not think that your expectations will be granted. I am not a giant, and neither am I a myth. I am only a man, as you are.”
“I did not bring you over here to argue that question. What you must do is do the best that you can and try to load up.”