“Well, I have been repaid for this night’s work. I must get back to the office, before I am seen coming from this cell,” said the official.

“Good morning, sir.”

“Good morning, Pearson. You are looking tired. Have you had a hard night of it?”

“Yes; I am trying to unravel a mystery, and I am somewhat worried.”

“So am I, Pearson. I am trying to look into the past life of this prisoner, No. 78. I want to see if he has been a bad fellow. I am under the impression that he is not guilty of the crime for which he is being punished; he seems so honest about his past, and he has even given his real name, and that is some proof that he is no crook, or murderer. He would surely deny his name if he were either, and I feel it my duty to look into this whole affair.”

“Well, officer, I am under the impression that he has registered under an assumed name—that he is holding back his real name.”

[153]

“Why have you formed such an impression?”

“Well, I have a feeling that he will tell his real name if pressed to do so.”

“I will send for him and we can press him for the truth.”

Pat’s voice was heard as he approached, saying: “I wonder what this day will bring forth. Here I am, walking to the office. I have a feeling that it is time the ‘pet-fellow’ had a little exercise, and I must be there in case I’m needed.”

“There you are, Pat. You are always on hand when you are needed. You may bring No. 78 into the office.”

“I am getting to be a fortune-teller indade. I can tell when I am wanted without being told. Here, you ‘pet-fellow’! Wake up! I am going to take you for your morning’s walk.”

“I am very willing to go.”

“I am quite sure that you will go, willing or not. When I am told to do anything, I usually do it. Here we are.”

“Bring him in, Pat.”

“Plase open the door. How do you expect me to do—break in?”

“The night lock is thrown on, officer. How did that happen? We never do so unless we[154] all go inside of the prison. Were you in the prison last night?”

“We will discuss that later. We have sent for the prisoner and he is here. Let him in.”

“You may go, Pat. We have some investigations to make, and we prefer to be alone.”

Pat went, out, remaining within hearing and saying: “Here is a very comfortable seat. I will sit meself down and I won’t have to walk so far when I come back.”

“Now, did I understand you—No. 78 I am speaking to—did I understand you to say that you have given your real Christian name, and surname also, to be recorded in the prison books?”

“Well, I have been thinking.”

“About changing your name?”

“How do you know that, sir?”

“Mr. Pearson has told me so.”

“He told you so?”

“Do you deny it—can you, will you?”

“My God! what shall I do? You have told him all?”

“I have told him nothing.”

“Pearson, why are you so excited?”

“I am astonished at your falsehood.”

[155]

“And you may be more astonished before I get through with you.

“Come, did I understand you to say—or have you answered me? Do you hear me speak to you?”

“I do, sir. Well, then, I will have to be protected if I tell the truth.”

“From whom?”

“Oh, man! can not you see the danger I am in:”

&l............