"I know it, my dear lady, I know it, and I feel that I ought to overcome this weakness or do my duty in its despite."
"Yes, and if you would consent to go, Father Gray, I would not mind going with you myself, if that would encourage you any!"
"Of course it would, my dear friend; and if you will go with me, and if the brethren think that I could do any good I will certainly endeavor to conquer my repugnance and visit these imprisoned men."
It was arranged that Father Gray, accompanied by Mrs. Condiment, should go to the jail upon the following morning; and, accordingly, they set out immediately after breakfast. A short ride up the mountain brought them to Tip-Top, in the center of which stood the jail. It was a simple structure of gray stone, containing within its own walls the apartments occupied by the warden. To these Mrs. Condiment, who was the leader in the whole matter, first presented herself, introducing Father Gray as one of the preachers of the camp meeting, a very pious man, and very effective in his manner of dealing with hardened offenders.
"I have heard of the Rev. Mr. Gray and his powerful exhortations," said the warden, with a low bow; "and I hope he may be able to make some impression on these obdurate men and induce them, if possible, to 'make a clean breast of it,' and give up the retreat of their band. Each of them has been offered a free pardon on condition of turning State's evidence and each has refused."
"Indeed! have they done so, case-hardened creatures?" mildly inquired Father Gray.
"Aye, have they; but you, dear sir, may be able to persuade them to do so."
"I shall endeavor! I shall endeavor!" said the mild old man.
The warden then requested the visitors to follow him and led the way up-stairs to the cells.
"I understand that the criminals are confined separately?" said Mr. Gray to the warden.
"No, sir; they were so confined at first, for better security, but as they have been very quiet, and as since those rowdies that disturbed the camp meeting have been sent to prison and filled up our cells, we have had to put those three robbers into one cell."
"I'm afraid I--" began the minister, hesitating.
"Father Gray is nervous, good Mr. Jailor; I hope there's no danger from these dreadful men--all of them together--for I promised Father Gray that he should be safe, myself," said Mrs. Condiment.