"What her object could have been in putting these questions,
it seems to be impossible to guess. Having accurately reported
all that took place, the Chaplain declares, with heartfelt
regret, that he can exert no religious influence over this
obdurate woman. He leaves it to the Governor to decide whether
the Minister of the Congregational Church may not succeed, where
the Chaplain of the Jail has failed. Herein is the one last hope
of saving the soul of the Prisoner, now under sentence of death!"

In those serious words the Memorandum ended. Although not
personally acquainted with the Minister I had heard of him, on
all sides, as an excellent man. In the emergency that confronted
us he had, as it seemed to me, his own sacred right to enter
the prison; assuming that he was willing to accept, what I myself
felt to be, a very serious responsibility. The first necessity
was to discover whether we might hope to obtain his services.
With my full approval the Chaplain left me, to state the
circumstances to his reverend colleague.


CHAPTER III.

THE CHILD APPEARS.

During my friend's absence, my attention was claimed by a sad
incident--not unforeseen.

It is, I suppose, generally known that near relatives are
admitted to take their leave of criminals condemned to death.