She paused for a while, evidently considering with special
attention what she was about to say next.

"As a religious man," she resumed, "would you be willing to make
some sacrifice, rather than let a fellow-creature go--after
a disgraceful death--to everlasting torment?"

"I know of no sacrifice in my power," he said, fervently, "to
which I would not rather submit than let you die in the present
dreadful state of your mind."

The Prisoner turned to me. "Is the person who watches me waiting
outside?"

"Yes."

"Will you be so kind as to call her in? I have a message for
her."

It was plain that she had been leading the way to the delivery of
that message, whatever it might be, in all that she had said up
to the present time. So far my poor powers of penetration helped
me, and no further.

The warder appeared, and received her message. "Tell the woman
who has come here with my little girl that I want to see the
child."

Taken completely by surprise, I signed to the attendant to wait
for further instructions.