“The officer is able to read.”
“You are not to make me sick by saying these things. I am not sick.
“What have I here? A letter from the murderer of the mysterious woman ghost! What does this mean? Listen:
“‘I want to confess. I did the murdering, and not the prisoner you have there. He is innocent.’
“Well, well! He does not give his name and I wonder how he knows of a mysterious ghost, as I have guarded very carefully about the mystery. I have avoided gossip about the matter, preferring that it should not get out. But I should be glad to free the ghost and let her out. I should be entirely willing if she would go. When I go to the office, I shall send for the prisoner whose name I hear called so much. And I shall show him this letter and notice if any change comes over him.
“Now I shall leave for the office, and you, guard, may bring the prisoner numbered 78 there.”
Soon a guard appeared at my side, saying: “You are wanted at the office. Get up there.”
“I am not able to go. I have been badly hurt, and I am heart-sick. I know that I can not live this life any longer.”
“You will not have to, perhaps, if you knew what I know. You would make an effort to get up and come along with me,” said the guard.
“The right murderer will be in your place soon, and you will be out; so collect your strength, my son, and go. I will help you. I have the strength to help you and I will do so.”