I did not regret that I lost the opportunity to execute the mentally threatened punishment of my women.
One morning, as I sat warming my feet by the prison stove, I heard a slow, measured tread on the stone walk, like some one pacing off the length of the building. When it came near to me I looked, to see the Master stalking along in pompous dignity.
There was what he probably supposed to be authority in his bearing.
I arose and stood respectfully before him. I supposed he had commands of some kind, for me, from his appearance.
He went along without changing his gait, or turning his head, into the kitchen.
I really did not know what etiquette to observe on this state occasion; but I slowly followed him. He marched round, looking over the place in silent inspection; then came directly before me, and made a dead halt.
He did not speak for a moment, and I, to relieve the embarrassment, asked,--
"When it don't, I shall tell you," he answered gruffly.
"It is more pleasant to be told when we have pleased, than when we have not."
He made no reply to that remark; but said sternly,--
"You are not to read the Rules to the prisoners; you have nothing to do with that."
"I have not read the Rules to the prisoners. I can find no rules to be governed by myself, much more to read to them."
"If the prisoners do not obey you, you are to report them at once."
"I believe, according to the Rules and Regulations laid down by the Board of Directors, that I am to admonish them once, and at the second offense report them."
He turned and stalked away, looking a little puzzled.
At first I could not imagine to what he referred; but after stirring up my memory, I recollected that I had mentioned, in reproving the women, a day or two before, that they were breaking the Rules.
I sat down and wrote the Master a note after this wise:--
"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."