Page:The traitor; a story of the fall of the invisible empire (IA traitorstoryoffa00dixo).pdf/345

 from identifying Jim. She found the right spot promptly and paid the bribe of two hundred and fifty dollars without a question as to the ethics involved. Jim was discharged, and when he walked out a free man a little tow-headed boy lay sobbing out his joy on her breast.

"I'm goin' to work for you, if you'll let me," he cried through his tears.

"Why, I thought you said you couldn't do anything that day we met?" she, laughed.

"Oh, I'm awful smart," he boasted—"I can tote fresh water, carry all your notes to your sweetheart—and I'm great diggin' worms ter go fishin'—I know right where to find 'em!"

She sent him away with a kiss and a promise to let him come and show her what he could do.

As she entered the jail with John's dinner, the jailor, whose friendship she had won by the liberal use of money and skilful flattery, whispered to her:

"Come in here a minute, Miss, I want to show you something."

She followed him into his room and started with horror at the sight of a dirty suit of convict's stripes spread out on a chair.

Stella's face blanched.

"They are for him?" she gasped.

"Yessum, an' if ye'll excuse me fer sayin' it, I think it's a d shame."