overcome it."

"But, my dear Father Gray, a man of your experience knows full well that
if you cannot overcome that feeling you should act in direct opposition
to it! And, I assure you, there is no danger! Why, even I should not be
at all afraid of a robber when he is double-ironed and locked up in a
cell, and I should enter guarded by a pair of turnkeys!"

"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 t