Prisoner for BlasphemyFoote, G. W. (George William)
Religion
Prisoner for Blasphemy
Foote, G. W. (George William)
Blasphemy; Trials (Blasphemy) -- Great Britain
My ablutions were performed in a copper basin not much larger than a
porridge bowl; indeed, it was impossible to insert both hands at once.
There was, of course, no looking-glass, and as the three-inch comb
was densely clogged with old deposits, my toilet was completed under
considerable difficulties. I never combed my hair with my fingers
before, but on that occasion I was obliged to resort to those primitive
rakes.
When I was finally ready, the chief warder summoned me downstairs to be
weighed and measured. My height was five feet ten in my shoes, and my
weight twelve stone nine and a half in my clothes.
At eight o'clock breakfast came. It consisted of coffee, eggs and toast.
At half-past eight we were taken out to exercise. What a delight it was
to see each other's faces again! And how refreshing to breathe even the
atmosphere of a City courtyard after being locked up for so many hours
in a stifling cell.
The other prisoners were already outside, and we had to pass through
the court in which they were exercising to reach the one considerately
allotted for our special use. They presented a cheerless spectacle.
Silently and sadly, with drooping heads, they skirted the walls in
Indian file; a couple of officers standing in the centre to see that no
communication went on between them. Many eyes were lifted to gaze at us
as we passed. Some winked, and a few looked insolent contempt, but the
majority expressed nothing but curiosity.
Our courtyard was about thirty feet by twenty. It was stone-paved, with
a door leading to the Old Bailey at one end, and a row of high iron bars
at the other. The air was brisk, and the sky tolerably clear for the
place and season. Our pent-up energies required a vent, and we rushed
round like caged animals suddenly loosened. "Gently," cried our
good-natured custodian; but we paid little heed to his admonition;
our blood was up, and we raced each other until we were wearied of the
pastime.
Presently I heard my name called, and on advancing to the spot whence
the voice issued, I saw Mr. Bradlaugh's face through the iron bars.
After a few minutes' conversation he made way for Mrs. Besant. She was
quite unprepared for such an interview. Her idea was that she would be
able to shake hands; I, however, knew better, and for that reason I had
forbidden my wife to visit me, preferring her letters to her company in
such wretched circumstances. Mrs. Besant was particularly cordial. "We
are all proud," she said, "of the brave fight you made yesterday."
How the time slipped by! When she retired it seemed as though our
conversation had but just opened.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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