Richard Forrester proved himself “a friend in need” at this dark time. Obtaining permission of the authorities, he stocked a bookcase for Earle with everything needful to complete a thorough course of study, and drafted a plan for him to follow. Once in three months he visited him, and between each visit he received from him a synopsis of what knowledge he had acquired during that time, which he criticised and returned with many useful hints, and then, when he came, talked it all over with him. He was surprised during his visits to see how thorough and clear he was upon all points which he had been over. “Earle, my boy,” he said, at one time, “you will make a better lawyer than I, and I do not see where you find time for all that you have learned.” “I have nothing to distract my mind here, you know, and _I will not brood over my fate_,” he replied, with a sad smile, “so it is easy to concentrate my thoughts, and I learn rapidly.” “How much better it would be for all these poor fellows here if they could do the same, and be prepared for a better life when their time is out,” said Mr. Forrester, reflectively. “Most of them, instead, are only laying plans for more desperate deeds than they have ever yet been guilty of; and I begin to think that these severe measures of the law, instead of reforming men, only tend to arouse their antagonism and make them worse,” Earle answered. “But what would you do with them? They have violated the laws and must be made to suffer for it in some way.” “That is true; if they do mischief they must be put where they will be restrained; but in order to reform them, and create a desire within them for higher and better things, I think only such men as are actuated by the highest principles—men who are honest, brave, and true—should be allowed as officers within the walls of a prison. No man can accomplish any _real_ good where he is not respected, and there is no one in the world so quick and keen to detect a fraud as these criminals. There are a few men here who are just in the right place—men who would not be guilty of a mean or dishonorable act, and who, while they treat every one with kindness, and even courtesy, yet demand exact and unhesitating obedience. It is astonishing, and sometimes amusing, to observe how differently they are respected and treated from the others.” “You believe, then, that these men might be reformed by kindness and judicious treatment?” “I do,” Earle replied, gravely; “of course there are exceptions, but I really would like to see the power of true, disinterested kindness tried upon some of these reckless fellows.” In after years he did see it tried, and of the result we have yet to tell. * * * * * Upon leaving the court-room with her father, after bidding Earle good-by, Editha appeared very much disturbed and kept shooting indignant glances from beneath her vail at her unconscious companion.