onestly endeavoring
to regain what he lost.

Is there any hope for the ex-convict? Is it possible for him to be
clothed in the garments of respectability who once has been attired in
the habiliments of disgrace? Can he ever be a man among men who has for
a time been numbered with the debased of earth? To these questions, with
all the powers of my being, I answer, YES! I do not know how the outlook
may appear to others who have met a similar misfortune; but as for
myself I can truthfully say I was never more hopeful in my life. There
may be storms in the future, obstacles to meet and overcome, but self
reliant, and trusting in Him who observes the struggles even of the
worm, I hope to soon reach my proper place among men, and in the end
reap the golden harvest of success. The world is full of kind-hearted
people who are ready to help those who, though unfortunate, are willing
to help themselves. Scores of men annually go out from the "Kansas
Hell," having paid the penalties of their crimes, who are not so highly
favored as myself, and whose struggles will have to be greater than mine
if they ever secure a foothold of respectability in life. In behalf
of these in their efforts to become better men I appeal to the great,
loving heart of the true Kansan. HELP THE FALLEN IN HIS STRUGGLES TO
RISE AGAIN.

Since my return home, several times have I visited the grave of my wife,
and often on these occasions would the hot blood go surging through my
veins, and my baser nature would demand that I avenge the death of her
who was so heartlessly sent to an untimely grave. A better judgment has
prevailed, and as I drop the tear of affection upon the grave of her
who is the mother of my children, I leave the wrongs of the past in the
hands of an avenging God. May there fall upon those who were so kind to
my sorrowing family and myself while we were passing through the deep
waters, the radiant smiles of Him who says, "Inasmuch as ye have done it
unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me."

A MISSOURI HELL

CHAPTER XIV. THE CONVICT'S HOME

"Jefferson City is the next station," called out the train man as the
Missouri Pacific rolled into the capital of the great commonwealth of
Missouri. It was two o'clock in the morning. From an easy reclining
chair, to an omnibus, and to a cozy room in the Madison House, was the
work of but a few moments. It being rather an unseasonable hour to begin
the investigation of