“Big Belle” came back and stood quietly beside the doctor. She had something to say to him and was awaiting his permission to speak.
“She wishes me to send for her father,” she reported as Dr. Brookes turned to her. “She knows that she is dying, and is anxious to see him.”
“Get his name,” was the doctor’s answer, but “Big Belle” smiled sadly. “I tried to,” she said, quickly, “but she lapsed into unconsciousness that minute.”
“They may know his name in the office,” said the doctor. “I’ll go right down now and see if I can wire him.”
As Dr. Brookes and Marion reached the door of the building, a breath of salt, fresh air came over the water.
“What a mockery!” said Marion, with a heart-felt sigh. “Oh! this place is so beautiful with its wonderful, changing scenery, yet how sad are the hearts that dwell in these buildings. How weary are the eyes that gaze out on these waters!”
The tramp of many feet came as an echo to her words. Marion turned, and through the iron grating saw the convicts marching to their luncheon.
“Oh! do let me go in and see them!” she cried, impulsively. “It is the first time I have been in here, although I have been a month on the Island.”
Dr. Brookes spoke to the turnkey who at once opened the great guard doors.
As Marion stepped into the dim corridor, with its small high windows and bleak gray walls, she shuddered involuntarily as all do at their first visit to a prison.