Part 55 (1/2)

Answer at once

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DEAR TONY:

Why do you insist on the hole in the ground? I tell you again it will not do I won't consider it for a moment I am on the inside--you must let me decide what can or cannot be done here

I a for liberty, would risk my life a thousand times I am too desperate now for any one to block uards, if necessary But I still have a little judgh I am almost insane with the suspense and anxiety If you insist on the hole, I'll h there is not one chance in a hundred for success

I beg of you, Tony, the thingto the shed; it's only a little way After such a trehtly? I assure you, the success of the hole plan is unthinkable They'd all see o down into it; I'd be followed at once--what's the use talking

Besides, you know I have no revolvers Of course I'll have a weapon, but it will not help the escape Another thing, your change of plans has forced et an assistant The man is reliable, and I have only confided to hiate around the shed, take measurements, etc I am not permitted anywhere near the wall But you need not trouble about this; I'll be responsible for my friend But I tell you about it, so that you prepare two pair of overalls instead of one Also leave two revolvers in the house, o None of our comrades is to wait for us Let the is ready But be sure you don't stop at the hole Go to the shed, absolutely

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TONY:

The hole will not do The more I think of it, the ent call for money to the Editor You knohom I mean Get in communication with him at once Use the money to continue work to shed

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Direct to Box A 7, Allegheny City, Pa, June 25, 1900

DEAR COMRADE:

The Chaplain was very kind to perent business I write to you in a very great extremity

You are aware of the efforts of my friends to appeal my case

Read carefully, please I have lost faith in their attorneys I have engaged my _own_ ”lawyers” Lawyers in quotation marks--a prison joke, you see I have utmost confidence in _these_ lawyers They will, absolutely, procure my release, even if it is not a pardon, you understand I o to the Superior Court, different from a Pardon Board--another prison joke

My friends are short of money We need some _at once_ The work is started, but cannot be finished for lack of funds Mark hat I say: _I'll not be responsible for anything_--the worst may happen--unless money is procured _at once_ You have influence I rely on you to understand and to act promptly

Your comrade,

ALEXANDER BERKMAN

MY POOR TONY:

I can see how this thing has gone on your nerves To think that you, you the cautious Tony, should be so reckless--to sendI had trouble explaining to the Chaplain, but it's all right now Of course, if itof your wire: from the seventh bar on the east wall, ten feet to west We'll be there on the minute--3 P M But July 4th won't do It's a holiday: no work; my friend will be locked up

Can't leave him in the lurch It will have to be next day, July 5th It's only three days more I wish it was over; I can't bear the worry and suspense any more May it be my Independence Day!

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