“Well, I do not believe one word you have told me, and more, no sane man would ask another to do what it would require three or four strong men to do.” “I was not only asked to do so, but I was doing it. I had moved the iron to the distance you see, from the remainder.” “Now you come along. I will send the hospital word about him.” Again I was taken to the office. I wondered what would be done now. As I had no way of proving that I did not commit the deed, I could not make them understand that I had not harmed the guard. The officer said: “I will tell you. I found the guard lying on the floor. I do not know if he is dead or in a faint. I do know that he looks very much like a dead man.” “What! Do you mean to tell me that this man has committed another murder?” “I am not a murderer, and I did not harm this man. I did not, I say, and God is my judge.” “We shall have to take some unusual proceedings with you. I am sure that when we find out the truth, which I hope and pray to do, and we will if this man is not dead and he tells the story of how he was harmed, we will be able to at least see what and why so much mystery surrounds you.” “I hope he may live and be able to tell the story, for I am anxious to find out how he happened to be in the condition found.” “Are you quite sure that you do not already know?” “I do not, sir.” “I am at a loss to know what to do with you and where next to place you. Do you think that you could prove to us that you did move the iron?” “I do not know, sir. I am quite sure that it moved, and I did not see anyone near, and that is why I stopped when I heard the moaning—to see what was wrong, and I saw my guard lying on the floor.” “You tell a very plain story, but can we believe it? I can not, and will try you out again on the same work.” To the other guard he said: “You may take him back and see if what he has been telling is true.” “Oh! I beg you not to try my strength on what would require three times the amount of strength I have, and perhaps cause another circumstantial evidence of murder, if the guard should be found dead, after reaching the hospital.” “I shall not expect you to do so much. I want you to substantiate the story you are telling us. And now you may go back to the shipping quarters.” I was taken, this time accompanied by the officer to whom I was talking and who was giving orders to place me where I should be given the work. I thought, on the way back, that I should fall with fear and weakness. I could not see how I could have courage to try to move the unreasonable load again. We are shown no mercy in prison—at least, I was not. Instead, I was bidden to do work which it was impossible for me to do, outside of prison walls. We accomplish a great many feats through fear. I am sure that I could not accomplish many which I did except through fear. “Now, sir,” said the officer, “you say that you moved that iron that distance?” “I did, sir.”