It was arranged that Father Gray, accompanied by Mrs. Condiment, should go to the jail upon the following morning; and, accordingly, they set out immediately after breakfast. A short ride up the mountain brought them to Tip-Top, in the center of which stood the jail. It was a simple structure of gray stone, containing within its own walls the apartments occupied by the warden. To these Mrs. Condiment, who was the leader in the whole matter, first presented herself, introducing Father Gray as one of the preachers of the camp meeting, a very pious man, and very effective in his manner of dealing with hardened offenders. "I have heard of the Rev. Mr. Gray and his powerful exhortations," said the warden, with a low bow; "and I hope he may be able to make some impression on these obdurate men and induce them, if possible, to 'make a clean breast of it,' and give up the retreat of their band. Each of them has been offered a free pardon on condition of turning State's evidence and each has refused." "Indeed! have they done so, case-hardened creatures?" mildly inquired Father Gray. "Aye, have they; but you, dear sir, may be able to persuade them to do so." "I shall endeavor! I shall endeavor!" said the mild old man. The warden then requested the visitors to follow him and led the way up-stairs to the cells. "I understand that the criminals are confined separately?" said Mr. Gray to the warden. "No, sir; they were so confined at first, for better security, but as they have been very quiet, and as since those rowdies that disturbed the camp meeting have been sent to prison and filled up our cells, we have had to put those three robbers into one cell." "I'm afraid I--" began the minister, hesitating. "Father Gray is nervous, good Mr. Jailor; I hope there's no danger from these dreadful men--all of them together--for I promised Father Gray that he should be safe, myself," said Mrs. Condiment. "Oh, ma'am, undoubtedly; they are double-ironed," said the warden, as he unlocked a door and admitted the visitors, into rather a darkish cell, in which were the three prisoners. Steve the mulatto was stretched upon the floor in a deep sleep. Hal was sitting on the side of the cot, twiddling his fingers. Dick sat crouched up in a corner, with his head against the wall. "Peace be with you, my poor souls," said the mild old man, as he entered the cell. "You go to the demon!" said Dick, with a hideous scowl. "Nay, my poor man, I came in the hope of saving you from that enemy of souls!" "Here's another! There's three comes reg'lar! Here's the fourth! Go it, old fellow! We're gettin' used to it! It's gettin' to be entertainin'! It's the only diversion we have in this blamed hole," said Hal. "Nay, friend, if you use profane language, I cannot stay to hear it," said the old man.