CHAPTER VII.
“My Brother a Convict!”
The official thought: “I must not let myself be known. I must not.”
To the prisoner he said: “You may be seated, sir. I want to talk to you.”
Then to the guard: “I will excuse you, guard. I wish to question the prisoner alone.”
Turning to the prisoner: “Now, sir, I should like to hear something about yourself. Why were you sentenced, and have you registered under your real name?”
“I have, sir. I am not a criminal. I have been sentenced because of strong circumstantial evidence. I am innocent. I did not commit the crime for which I am here.”
“Well, my opinion of you is good. I do not believe that you are a murderer—at least, I hope not. What occupation did you follow before you came here?”
“I was a follower of any work I could do—anything that my strength would permit me to do. I was not a disagreeable man. I made many friends.”
“If you had many, your friends were no help to you in this case. Did not they offer any assistance?”