When we reached the building and had been admitted, I introduced my companion to the warden, explaining that he was to defend Winters. The warden looked him over with interest, saying as he shook hands:
"Not an easy job of yours, I fear, sir"; and then addressing me: "You will not find the prisoner looking any better since your last visit."
"Is he any worse than he was?" I inquired; "for I had expected to find him improved by his rest and confinement."
"Yes," he replied; "he is in a bad way, I fear."
When Winters made his appearance, I appreciated the meaning of the warden's statements. He had grown pale and thinner since his confinement and seemed weaker. Of course the immediate effects of dissipation had disappeared, but behind them they had left the evidence of a man really ill. He recognized me with evident pleasure, but showed little interest in Littell even after I had explained the occasion of his visit.
"It is no use," he said, "I can see by the papers that everybody thinks I am guilty."
"But I don't!" said Littell promptly. "I feel sure you are not guilty and that is why I am going to defend you."
The strong confident tones of Littell acted like a tonic on the man. He braced up and seemed to shake off much of his despondency.
"And you have read all about it too?" he asked.
"Yes," Littell said, "and I am here now to hear the truth about it from you, so tell me everything."