“I am very sorry. I would help you to do anything possible without violating the prison rules.” “Dear child, go now. You must, as you know that we are not obeying orders, and I am very thankful for the pleasure the officer has given us—to see each other. I want you to thank him and go.” “Papa, I did thank him, and will again. Oh! if I only knew that I could return often to see you, I could go more contentedly. Good-bye, dear papa. Do not worry, papa; I shall always be your Gertie, and a dutiful daughter. “Good-bye. I thank you, officer.” “Mr. Pearson, you have a beautiful daughter,” said the superintendent as the girl passed out; “not only in looks, but she is good and loyal to her father. How proud I should be of a daughter like her!” “I am proud of her. And I am ashamed to think that I have brought on her this disgrace. I feel that I shall never again be able to hold up my head, if I should get out of here.” “Do not talk like that. We can live down disgrace and you can show the world that you are not a bad man, after all, at heart, and I don’t think you are, Pearson.” “Well, I’m glad I made the train all right,” said Pat, “and I got the letter off. I feel better now—not so ornery. I will take me toime going back. What do I see? The dear little girl that called me name with the handle on it? And I do believe she is crying. Now, I can’t stand to pass her and see her shedding tears. What could I say to comfort her? Well, if I don’t say anny more than ‘howdy,’ it will help some. “How do you do?” “Oh, dear! I was not looking up, and I didn’t see you.” “I know you didn’t see me, but I saw you, and I want to spake to you, for sympathy’s sake.” “I thank you, Mr. Pat. I am so sad to think I can not see papa often. I can not get away always on the visiting days, and would have to come when I could find the opportunity.” “Well, I will see if you can not get in when you come.” “Oh, no! you are very kind, but the officer in charge said that he was sworn to do his duty, and the rules of the prison are, ‘No visitors except on visiting day.’ I shall have to come when I can get away on visiting days.” “Well, I hope to be able to break the rules.” “You must not do so on my account, or make any attempt to do so, Mr. Pat.” “What could I say next?” thought Pat. “I will be looking for you if you will say when you will call to see your father again.” “I do not know that I could come when I would plan to do so—if I could come on the days set aside for visitors.” “Well, may I ask how I could help you?” “I do not know now. I thank you. Oh, yes! please be kind to papa, won’t you, please, Mr. Pat?” “That I will, indade! I will, and I will see that he has plenty to eat and drink. Now I must move on back to me job. Good-bye.”