"The women have a habit of talking as they march in and out of prison. I
am ordered to report them if they do it. I find in the Rules and
Regulations, given to the officers, by the Board of Overseers, on the
tenth page, that we are directed to 'admonish' the prisoners, for
misbehavior, and at the second offense report them. That was what I did
yesterday, however my proceedings may have been reported to you."
In a few moments the Deputy made his appearance.
"Your explanation was just the thing. We have looked up the Rule, and
you are right. It is better to take each one as you catch her, rather
than take them all together."
"That gives me a chance to exercise still more mercy. Thank you!"
Thus ended my first interview with the Master, and the second was like
unto it.
About a week after that the Receiving Matron came and told me that I was
to go to her wash-room, to oversee her women, while she went to put the
officers' rooms in order.
I replied, "I cannot attend to your work. I have more to do in my own
department than I have strength to accomplish."
"Mrs. Hardhack"--that was the Shop Matron--"said you were to do it."
"I am not employed by Mrs. Hardhack, nor do I take my orders from her."
I was overburdened with work, and extremely tired. It appeared
unreasonable, to me, to crowd anything more upon me. I had not physical
strength to do any more than I was doing.
The Matron turned from me in a fret, and left. I dropped upon a bench
and rested my head upon the table. From sheer fatigue the tears
started.
In a few moments I heard the measured tread of the Master. I did not
raise my head till he had stood before me a moment or two. Then I looked
up. I did not pay him the respect to rise. He looked at me a moment, and
seemed to have some idea of my condition. He said gently, if anything
could be said gently by one so rough--
"I should like to have you go to the wash-room while the Matron is at
the officers' rooms. There is a gang of women at work there, and she
cannot leave them alone very well."
His manner modified my feelings somewhat; but I had no idea of having
any more labor put upon me, and I said,--
"I find it very difficult to get through with the labor that I engaged
for, and it is impossible for me to have that of another put upon me."
"Just for to-day, as she has just come in."
"I will go for to-day, as a matter of favor; but I did not engage for
that work, and I don't wish her to feel that she can call upon me to
take her place at any time that she may wish. Her relief should come
from another quarter."
"It is only for to-day."
He went out, and I started for the wash-house.