When daylight came, he felt better, for before night shut down again there might be news of the man for whom detectives were hunting everywhere. But there was never any news, and the days went by, bringing him nearer to the dreaded ordeal from which he shrank as a martyr might shrink from the rack which was to torture him. Everything which could be done to ameliorate his condition as a prisoner was done. No room in that jail or in any other had ever been furnished as his was. Tom was always bringing something until the place was overcrowded. Letters of sympathy came to him from every city and town where he had acquaintances. Flowers, fruit, delicacies of every kind were showered upon him. His table was filled with books and magazines and papers. Every day his father and mother visited him, cheering and encouraging him to the utmost, although they had little courage themselves, the outlook was so dark. Tom alone was hopeful. He hovered around the building constantly, often going inside and telling Paul any items he thought would interest him,—who had gone,—who were going,—who had come,—how the grounds were looking,—what flowers were in blossom, and how Sherry the dog,—named for the old Sherry,—missed his master. This interested Paul, who was very fond of Sherry, a big Newfoundland,—whom he had bought when a puppy. “He stays by your door nearly all day,” Tom said, “and we couldn’t get him away at night until I took one of your old coats and put it in his kennel. He almost talked when he smelled it and gamboled round it like a kitten. I’d bring him to see you, but your father thinks I’d better not, he’d tear round so and be here every day if he knew where you were. We tie him up when the carriage comes, and the way he howls is a caution.” Tom was a great comfort to Paul,—the friend who never failed. At night, after every one had retired and the lights in the city were out, he was often at the prison. “It’s I,—Tom. There’s a big stone here and I’m sitting on it to keep you company,” he would call through the window, and Paul felt glad, knowing that he was not alone.