Part 57 (2/2)
For an instant I am speechless with terror No, it cannot be So Schroyer, from the construction shop He's Number 2608”
”Your friend Russell; I knoho you ht”
”But No, it can't be! Why, Frank, it was just a chill and a little weakness”
”Look here, Aleck I know you're square, and you can keep a secret all right I'll tell you soive me away”
”Yes, yes, Frank What is it?”
”Sh--sh You know Fle a five spot for murder
His father and the Warden are old cronies That's how he got to be nurse; don't know a da about it, an' careless as hell Always makes mistakes Well, Doc ordered an injection for Russell Now don't ever say I told you Fleave the poor boy some acid in the injection Paralyzed the kid; he did, the da desperately at the faint hope that it cannot be--so the ”medicine boy” confirms my worst fears: the doctor has said the boy will die Russell does not realize the situation: there is sos, the poor boy writes; he is unable to reat pain It can't be fever, he thinks; but the physician will not tell him what is the matter
The kindly Frank is sympathetic; every day he passes notes between us, and I try to encourage Russell He will improve, I assure him; his time is short, and fresh air and liberty will soon restore hirows more cheerful, when unexpectedly he learns the truth frorow piteous withcry, ”Oh, Aleck, I a I don't want to die” He implores me to visit him; if I could only come to nurse him, he is sure he would improve He distrusts the convict attendants who harry and banter the country lad; their heartless abuse is irritating the sick boy beyond patience Exasperated by the taunts of the night nurse, Russell yesterday threw a saucer at him He was reported to the doctor, who threatened to send the paralyzed youth to the dungeon Plagued and torrows bitter and co him, he writes; they will soon do hio to an outside hospital, he is sure to recover
Every evening Frank brings sadder news: Russell is feeling worse; he is so nervous, the doctor has ordered the nurses to wear slippers; the doors in the ward have been lined with cotton, to deaden the noise of slaure throws Russell into convulsions There is no hope, Frank reports; decoony; he is constantly crying with pain, and calling forto see my sick friend, I resolve upon a way to visit the hospital In the uard hands me the bread ration and shuts my cell, I slip my hand between the sill and door With an involuntary cry I withdraw ers The overseer conducts me to the dispensary By tacit permission of the friendly ”medicine boy” I pass to the second floor, where the wards are located, and quickly steal to Russell's bedside The look ofpain in lad they let you coet well if you'll nurse me” The shadow of death is in his eyes; the body exudes decoently press his white, emaciated hand The weary eyes close, and the boy falls into slumber
Silently I touch his dry lips, and steal away
In the afternoon I appeal to the Warden to per wish; it will ease his last hours The Captain refers me to the Inspectors, but Mr Reed inforrant e a collection a the prisoners: Russell firmly believes that he would irant the petition Friendless prisoners are often allowed to circulate subscription lists a the inmates, and two years previously I had collected a hundred and twenty-three dollars for the pardon of a lifeti that it is dangerous to perest the Chaplain for the mission, or some prisoner selected by the authorities But this offer is also vetoed, the Warden berating e of my presence in the dispensary to see Russell clandestinely, and threatening to punish eon I plead with hiry for a friendly presence, and constantly calling for me Apparently touched by my emotion, the Captain yields He will peruard be present at theFor a ainst the fear of irritating hiht of the hated unifornity and pain Angered bythe secret of the tunnel from the visit, the Warden forbids ht Frank appears at rave, as he whispers:
”Aleck, you must bear up”
”Russell--?”
”Yes, Aleck”
”Worse? Tell me, Frank”