“What! A knock? I do hope that I shall not find a lady there.” “Good morning, officer.” “Good morning, Mr. McHenry.” The visitor was Mr. McHenry, junior. “What can I do for you?” “I should like to talk with you in regard to your new prisoner, Mr. Pearson. My father brought me the news, and I am not doubting him, but I truly would be better satisfied if I heard it through someone else also. Father was in such a rage that I could not calm him enough to understand the circumstances. I should appreciate your explaining it all to me.” “My boy, I am very sorry to say that I have to do my duty and the rules here we must comply with. We are not allowed to give out any information in regard to our prisoners, except to the officials.” “I ask for only enough to understand. Do you not see that I am in trouble? Can not you help me? Do tell me that he is innocent. It means so much to me.” “My young friend, I understand the circumstances. I learned them through your father. I am sorry for you and for the daughter of this man, but I am powerless to do anything.” “Could I talk with him?” “No; I am not allowed to permit any information to be obtained inside of these prison walls.” “I am sure that it would never be known. I would never divulge the secret.” “I have confidence in you, but I should not be obeying rules here, and I could not allow you the privilege under any circumstances.” “I shall have to go, as I am unable to learn anything. Oh! could I not see him, just for one short conversation?” “I am sorry. I must repeat that I can not allow you your wish, so please do not insist. It makes me feel bad to know, as I do, your predicament, and to hear you plead. I can not help you. There, I would not do that! The guard is coming. It is not necessary to let him see you shedding tears, and I would rather you would go before he comes in.” “I will go. I thank you for your sympathy, and I am certain you would have granted my request if it had been in your power to do so.” “I would, certainly. Good-bye.” “Good day, sir.” “Well, now I am getting in deeper. Even the poor young man’s heart is broken. Engaged to the belle of the city, and not allowed to marry on account of the misdeeds of her father. Poor boy! My heart did ache for him when he broke down and cried.” “Well, I am after coming back. Do you need me?” “I don’t think I do, Pat. I am looking for some very important news. Outside of that, I would let you take charge of the office and I would take a stroll through the prison. I get very tired, sitting here from morning until night, and I like to take a walk around the inside walls, now and then, for exercise.” “You may do so. I will watch the place. I will see that no one comes in.” “Will you see that no one goes out, Pat? That is what I am here for. Very few want to break in and many would like to break out.” “You are not thinking of any one in particular, are you?”