small hole being the only breathing space. This being
secured with the various straps and buckles, a more complete bridle
could not be well imagined.

I was in the gaol last evening at eight o'clock. I had been to see Rufus
Dawes, and returning, paused for a moment to speak to Hailey. Gimblett,
who robbed Mr. Vane of two hundred pounds, was present, he was at
that time a turnkey, holding a third-class pass, and in receipt of
two shillings per diem. Everything was quite still. I could not help
remarking how quiet the gaol was, when Gimblett said, "There's someone
speaking. I know who that is." And forthwith took from its pegs one of
the bridles just described, and a pair of handcuffs.

I followed him to one of the cells, which he opened, and therein was
a man lying on his straw mat, undressed, and to all appearance fast
asleep. Gimblett ordered him to get up and dress himself. He did so,
and came into the yard, where Gimblett inserted the iron-wood gag in his
mouth. The sound produced by his breathing through it (which appeared
to be done with great difficulty) resembled a low, indistinct whistle.
Gimblett led him to the lamp-post in the yard, and I saw that the victim
of his wanton tyranny was the poor blind wretch Mooney. Gimblett placed
him with his back against the lamp-post, and his arms being taken round,
were secured by handcuffs round the post. I was told that the old man
was to remain in this condition for three hours. I went at once to the
Commandant. He invited me into his drawing-room--an invitation which
I had the good sense to refuse--but refused to listen to any plea for
mercy. "The old impostor is always making his blindness an excuse for
disobedience," said he.--And this is her husband.

CHAPTER IX. THE LONGEST STRAW.

Rufus Dawes hearing, when "on the chain" the next day, of the wanton
torture of his friend, uttered no threat of vengeance, but groaned only.
"I am not so strong as I was," said he, as if in apology for his lack of
spirit. "They have unnerved me." And he looked sadly down at his gaunt
frame and trembling hands.

"I can't stand it no longer," said Mooney, grimly. "I've spoken to
Bland, and he's of my mind. You know what we resolved to do. Let's do
it."

Rufus Dawes stared at the sightless orbs turned inquiringly to his own.
The fingers of his hand, thrust into his bosom, felt a token which lay
there. A shudder thrilled him. "No, no. Not now," he said.

"You're not afeard,