terest the work of fastening him in. "'You have
that strap around the abdomen twisted,' he coolly remarked to one of the
excited guards, and then quietly added, 'you are not sufficiently
hardened for this kind of work, my man, but perhaps your children may
be.' And as if stung by remorse at these words, the guard suddenly burst
into a frenzy of grief and cried out in piteous tones: 'No, no! Don't
say that! I love my children. I undertook this objectionable work for
their sakes, that I might be able to give them the same advantages that
other children enjoy. But now that you have spoken, I can see that I am
paying for their advantages at the expense of their moral characters,
and that they too might follow in my miserable footsteps and, eventually
sell themselves for money. But listen, I have but just taken this
position, and now I am getting my first experience at this kind of work,
and I feel as if _I_ were about to commit murder. And now, after hearing
your wonderful words, my conscience is crying out within me to stop, and
so, in the presence of these witnesses, I not only renounce all further
connection with this abominable act, but I most solemnly swear that I
believe in Natural Law, and that I shall henceforth devote my life to
teaching its principles to my own children, and also to those of my
fellow beings. My eyes have suddenly been opened. For the first time in
my life I feel like a man.'

"At this unexpected turn of affairs, the countenance of John Convert
lighted up with a look of divine happiness that was truly glorious to
behold, and, addressing the guard, he said: 'Well spoken, my noble man.
May you accumulate sufficient strength to enable you to faithfully
follow out your splendid resolution; may your future deeds be so
unselfish, heroic, and fruitful, towards uplifting mankind, that the
grandchildren of your enemies may live to praise your name.'

"These words seemed to have a cheering effect upon the guard, who
affectionately shook the hand of Convert, and then left the room.

"During this time, however, the other guard had continued the work of
adjusting the straps, and finally having them properly arranged, stepped
backward a few feet and raised his left arm as a sign to the
Electrocutioner in the closet that everything was in readiness. And
then, just as John Convert uttered the words, 'Always Consult Your Soul
for Advice,' a terrible, dull, buzzing sound took the place of his
voice, his body sudd