“Well, here I am back to the office, and I have me clothes all here, and I want to bid me old friend good-bye before I go. I can’t kape the tears back. I guess I am feeling pretty bad again. I belave I’ll just step in here and pray to meself now, while I’m waiting for me old friend that thought so much of me.” In the court-room the trial proceeded. At length the judge arose, saying: “I am not of the opinion that a crime of as long standing as this one is punishable in the eyes of the law. Twenty-one years would outlaw it. If the prisoner will give his penniless brother a home for life, I will set him free. “What have you to say to that, Pearson? Are you willing to share your home with your brother?” “I thank your honor. I am more than willing, and I will see that he shares my home as a brother should, without feeling under obligations.” “Pearson, I feel that you mean all right, and I will ask you to let me hear from you as soon as you find your unfortunate brother who was freed several days ago. I want you to help him to live down the disgrace of his long imprisonment, and live as brothers should. We have all learned to pray through this unfortunate affair, or we should have learned, and that not waiting until we are in trouble, and then expect our prayers to be heard, but we have learned to pray at all times—not as Pat did, if we get help, say we won’t pray any more until the next time we are in trouble.” Later, when Pearson appeared at the office, he said: “Officer, I am discharged from all, including my position, am I?” “Well, Pearson, we have been holding consultation in the side room—the officials and I, and we have decided to reinstate you, and Pat also. We have decided that this lesson will make honest men out of you and Pat, and trusty. You did not betray Pat and he did not betray you. It was a good principle that you both showed this morning, and we feel that you will work hand in hand together in the future. I wonder if Pat has gone. We will step over to his room and see.” “I hope that Pat will feel kindly toward me. I have forgotten all, and will always remember that trial—how poor Pat feigned sickness to avoid answering those questions. Poor old Pat! He is a good Irishman.” “I do believe that he is gone. This is his room, is it not?” “Yes. Here he has left a note. He has written: ‘Good-bye to all the poor fellows in here. I have served me term and am ready to go, but with tears. I am thinking I am all alone, save God. He is ever near me. Good-bye to all fellow-men!’” CHAPTER XXIII. PRAYER-MEETING IN PRISON. “That is the first time I have seen you break down.”