story and tell me your true history since
leaving the prison. I am anxious to know just what an ex-convict must
meet."

This young fellow was twenty-five years of age. He served five years in
the penitentiary for stealing horses. He had an inferior education, and
might be considered an average ex-convict. His narrative will show what
the great majority of these men are called upon to endure.

His story revealed the fact that when he left the penitentiary he had
thirteen dollars in money and a suit of inferior clothes, such as is
furnished the prisoner when discharged. Having been closely confined for
five years, without even a newspaper to read, with but few visitors,
he was entirely ignorant of what had occurred during his period of
incarceration. His parents had been dead for several years, and he had
no friends to whom he could apply for aid. The large iron doors swung
upon their hinges, and he went forth a free but bewildered man. He had
liberty, it is true, but liberty replete with such trials as awaited
this young man is certainly little better than prison confinement.
Passing under the big stone archway, and out beyond the prison
enclosure, he paused for a few moments upon the little eminence on which
the prison stands, and viewed the surrounding country, not knowing what
to do or where to go. Finally he takes the principal road that leads
across the country, and in a half hour's walk reaches a farm house. He
asks for work. The farmer needs a hand, but asks the applicant for whom
he worked last.

"I am just out of prison," was the reply.

"I thought so," said the farmer, "for I have seen so many of these men
coming out of that place wearing clothes similar to those you have on.
How long were you in prison, and what was your offense?"

"I served five years, and my crime was horse-stealing."

At this frank confession the farmer slightly coughed, and stated that
a man called the day before, and he had partially promised the place to
him, and he did not feel like employing any one until he heard from him.
Had the farmer been as frank as the convict he would have said, "I don't
want a penitentiary-bird about me, and particularly one that has been a
horse-thief."

Finding no employment he moved on. For two weeks this friendless
ex-convict walked about the country, going from one farm house to
another, seeking employment. He practiced great economy, but at the
expiration of this time his thirteen dollars were g