ed, the condition to which she had brought herself,
and the prospect still before her, if she went on. At length the tears
began to glisten in her eyes; she yielded and said, "Chaplain, I will
try." The next Sabbath I asked her how she succeeded, with the answer,
"Not much, but I am trying the best I can." Retiring from their room, I
asked the attendant how they had prospered the past week. "Oh," said
she, "first rate. We have had a perfect reformation. Everything has been
peaceful and quiet, no fretting and scolding,--a perfect change." And so
it was when I left the prison. But I learned that K., after my leaving,
became discouraged, was thrown from the track and returned to her former
habits. And no wonder, there was so great a lack of prudence and skill
in managing there, so much of a vexatious character.

My position was one of difficulty, needing all the wisdom and discretion
I could command. The prisoners were looking to me for direction on the
one hand, while jealous watchfulness followed every step on the other.

Thus I went on, constantly doing what I could for the best good of the
institution in whatever way practicable. No matter what course others
took concerning me or the prison, my duty was to act with fidelity and
in the fear of God, which I endeavored sacredly to do.

One rule I constantly carried with me, never deviating from it on any
occasion, which rule was, not to give a word, or hint even, against any
prison officer or prison move. This seemed essential to the best being
of the prisoner. For, if really wronged, my deviation from that rule
would tend to impress him more deeply, make him feel his wrong more
keenly, and excite to greater irritability, resulting, on his part,
perhaps, in more disorderly acts, and, consequently, greater trouble.
Then, on my own part, such a deviation must be perfect suicide, so far
as the plan might be concerned, showing the authorities conclusively
that I was unfit for the position, and giving them the most urgent
reasons for putting another in my place.

A moderate share of common sense would teach one to keep very wide of
such deviation. Then it could be of no avail. If censurable things were
being done in the prison management, the rulers were the parties for one
to approach respecting them, those having the power to apply the remedy.

26. _Death of Gideon Sylver._ This man had been in the army, was a good
soldier, strong and vigorous; very quiet and obedie