2
Solomon Binkus was indeed a shrewd man. In the faded packet of letters is one which recites the history of the confinement of the two scouts in the Boston jail. It tells of the coming of Margaret that very evening with an order from the Adjutant General directing Mr. Pinhorn to allow her to talk with the "rebel prisoner Solomon Binkus."
The official conducted her to the iron grated door in front of Solomon's cell.
"I will talk with him in the corridor, if you please," she said, as she gave the jailer a guinea, whereupon he became most obliging. The cell door was opened and chairs were brought for them to sit upon. Cannons were roaring again and the sound was nearer than it had been before.
"Have you heard from Jack?" she asked when they were seated in front of the cell of the latter.
"Yes, ma'am. He is well, but like a man shot with rock salt."
"What do you mean?"
"Sufferin'," Solomon answered. "Kind o' riddled with thoughts o' you an' I wouldn't wonder."
"Did you get a letter?" she asked.
"No. A young officer who was ketched an' brought here t'other day has told me all 'bout him."