As for Law, he had actually gone with us in good faith up to a certain point, then had a case of cold feet. It occurred to his sordid mind that a handsome sum of money could be obtained from the Government without any risk at all, by betraying his associates. He made a cold-blooded, mercenary bargain with the authorities through which he realized a small fortune, disclosed all our plans, and our steps had actually been dogged by detectives for days. But the first day at Alcatraz I nearly landed Law. I was locked in a lath and plaster room. I had not been there long before someone began tapping on the wall. After several repetitions, thinking it might be Rubery, I asked, “Who is there?” The acoustics were admirable. A voice replied, “That you, Harpending? This is Law. I am under arrest. I want to tell you all about the awful mishap that prevented me from being with you on the Chapman last night.” The voice of the wretch drove me to absolute madness. I knew he wanted to draw me into admissions, probably had two or three witnesses with him in the room. I simply thirsted for his blood. As before mentioned, the searchers on the Chapman had overlooked a small penknife and a derringer concealed on my person. My first impulse was to take a chance shot at him through the plaster, but I thought of something better instantly. With my penknife I easily bored an opening in the wall. “Law,” I said, “there is something I want you to hear very distinctly and I don’t want to speak loud. Put your ear to this hole I have made through the wall.” If he had ever put his ear to that hole he would certainly have heard something very distinctly and much louder than I intimated. Also, perhaps, this story would not have been written. But if such a fellow can have a good angel she was not napping that day. Law did not put his ear to the hole and a few minutes later I heard the door close behind him as he left the room. CHAPTER XI. TECHNICALITIES FALL BEFORE TRUE AND PERJURED TESTIMONY AND AUTHOR IS QUICKLY CONVICTED OF TREASON. _We Find Consolation in Lack of Proof Until a Foolish Remark Causes Weakling to Turn Informer._ As I said, Rubery, Libby and myself were brought from Alcatraz to the Broadway jail, while Greathouse was enlarged on bail. We remained there over six months, while the Government was preparing for our trial.