Page:Memoirs of the United States Secret Service.djvu/117

 despondingly. "I know it, and I knock under. You've beaten me, and I won't contend. You're right, in the course you've taken. I don't complain."

"Will you plead guilty of being a counterfeiter?" asked the Chief. " We've got this thing on you, dead sure—and you can't escape me now. Bill."

"I know it. I own up. I don't want any trial. I submit, and will give you valuable information in reference to this iniquitous business, hereafter."

The Chief believed Dow was repentant. He had a wife, who was innocent of his evil doings, and Bill exhibited a contriteness that seemed real; while he solemnly promised never again to mix in this nefarious work. Col. Whitley put faith in his contrition and promises, and taking into consideration certain favorable extenuating circumstances in Dow's case, he explained the matter to the Court, when the offender was arraigned to answer to the allegation the U. S. authorities had against him.

The Colonel did not believe that Dow was "a hardened criminal," in the usual acceptation of that term. He sincerely hoped that this young man would reform, in future years, and thus he was induced to urge the imposition of no unduly harsh sentence upon his prisoner.

The Court considered the fact that after his arrest Bill had given Col. Whitley highly important information in reference to the counterfeiting business in New York city, and in view of all the circumstances attendant upon the case, Dow was sentenced to the State Prison for two years, at Charlestown, Mass., without a trial—upon the man's pleading "guilty, and nolo contendere."

The hope is indulged, that after the expiration of this lenient sentence, Bill may reform, altogether, in accordance with his voluntary pledges solemnly given to Col. Whitley, and that he may yet live to become an honest citizen.