fficers on parole had to
live at certain places in Great Britain, of which a list is given, under
the eye of an agent. But this regulation must afterwards have been
modified, for it is certain that, as prisoners multiplied, one of the
large buildings at Norman Cross was allotted to the officers, and that it
was no uncommon thing for some of them to be allowed, under strict rules,
to go out on parole. The mile-stone is still pointed out, which was the
ordinary limit of the distance the poor fellows might go. And a very old
man is still living at Yaxley, who remembers, as a boy, having often seen
them on the road, some very well dressed, others in tatters, few in
uniform.

The daily ration of the prisoners was as follows: Five days in the week
each had a pound or pound-and-a-half of bread, half-a-pound of beef, with
vegetables, or pease, or oatmeal, with a small quantity of salt. But on
Wednesday and Friday, instead of beef, one pound of codfish or herrings.
No ale or beer was allowed, but it could be procured at the prison
canteen.

Besides this, there was a special marketplace in the prison grounds, and
the market hours were from ten to twelve every morning. Persons were
searched at the gate before entering, to prevent the introduction of
liquors, knives, or weapons; and, after entering, they were allowed no
private communication with prisoners. King's stores were not allowed to
be bought from them, but straw hats might be purchased. Persons of
credit and respectability might at any time, when visiting the prison,
purchase such trinkets as the prisoners had to dispose of, being their
own handiwork.

Complaints were made at one time in Parliament, and in the papers, and
abroad, of the food and clothing supplied to the prisoners, but they were
proved to be without foundation. Two Commissioners were appointed by the
Government to investigate the matter, and they reported that the health
of the prisoners was excellent, and that the food was good. As to the
clothing, they said that many of the prisoners had such a propensity for
gaming that, notwithstanding every precaution, they sold their clothes,
bedding, and even their food before it was due, to raise a trifle to
gamble with.

But of all who slandered the Government for their treatment of the
prisoners, no one was worse than that most amiable and pleasant writer,
George Borrow. In his book called _Lavengro_, with much picturesqueness,
but little truth, he