“Yes, Clarence, I believe you. I am going to tell you why I look at you so strangely. You are my brother, and I am going to make this right with you, if you will change your story and say that you changed your name when you got into this trouble—or, rather, that you have gone under an assumed name since you committed this crime. If you will do as I say, at the end of your term, I will give you five thousand dollars—when you walk out of this place a free man.” [Illustration: “I DO NOT WANT YOUR MONEY.”] CHAPTER XIII. AN ATTEMPT TO BRIBE THE PRISONER. “I have been a wanderer, and have eaten many a back-door hand-out, but I have never stolen nor murdered. I did not commit this crime. You, my brother, are free, and have money to bribe me with, and yet you do not care enough for your own flesh and blood to look up the real murderer. I do not want your money. I have two strong arms, and can work, as I have always done.” “Then you would work all your life, a poor man, rather than accept a little bribe, would you?” “Yes, under the circumstances, I would. I feel that in the end I will be better prepared to meet my dear mother, when called home, than you will be. Did I not have something coming to me from the estate? My mother was a wealthy woman when I left home.” “Well, we had many reverses in business affairs, and she died practically a poor woman.” “I may be spared to live my sentence here if I am not found innocent and discharged, and then I shall return to the old home and investigate affairs and see if I am not entitled to a share in my dear mother’s estate.” “Why can you not believe me? I have explained. She died practically a poor woman.” “You are not a poor man, are you, brother?” “Well, I have a comfortable home.” “Is that all you have?” “I do not feel disposed to explain everything to you.” “Where were you to get the five thousand dollars to bribe me with? Have you got that much money besides your comfortable home?” “I shall have ten years to get that.” “Oh! you are buying me to commit a crime and have no money to give me after I have done so?” “As I have stated, you are here for ten years. At the time of the expiration of your term I would in all probability have that amount.” “May I ask you why you wish me to deny my name?” “Well, Clarence, I am holding a good position here, and I could not, perhaps, if it were known that I had a brother inside of these walls. Besides, I have a family in society, and it would injure them if this should all come out.” “You are thinking of yourself and your family and society, and not once have you given your poor brother a thought of sympathy. And he is innocent of crime.” “I am trying to help you. Have I not offered you five thousand dollars at the end of your term?” “You are not helping me. No, sir. I have registered under my own name, given me by my dear parents, and I have no cause to disown it. I did nothing to disgrace it, and I am not going to be tempted with your money.”