DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.22217#0179
JIM HUT SON'S KNIFE.
16}
as for a cord, and most likely had been stolen from some
sailor. Across the buck-horn handle Jim had made two deep
notches with a file, with a cross cut between, forming the
letter H.
This knife, after some joking comments by me, was put
away with Jim's tobacco pipe. and other treasures, to be
returned to him when his term expired. But beforethat time
came Jim had done something which quickened curiously the
interest I already felt in his career. One of the warders had
in some way excited the rancour of three prisoners, and they
laid their heads together and recklessly resolved to "pitch into
him." By a most ingenious plot they managed to get him
alone, and then ferociously attacked him with hammers. Jim,
however, had taken a liking to the man, and, happening to be
near, he at once, with that bull-dog bravery which had always
distinguished him, took the part of the warder. He fought
two of them single handed, though a good deal pounded and
hurt in the struggle, and was seized with them, by mistake,
and hurried off to the dark cell. As soon as matters, had
been explained by the rescued warder, Jim was brought forth
and handsomely complimented by the governor, and from that
day till the expiry of his sentence treated with marked lenience
and favour. I was over in the jail shortly after this affair, and,
chancing to see Jim among the workers, I took him aside for
a word. " Jim," I said, putting my hand on his shoulder and
speaking with great earnestness, " you're in the wrong line
entirely. You are just the stuff a good soldier is made of.
Get into that as soon as you are let out. It'll be a new life—
an honest one—and advancement is sure for you. It's a sheer
waste of material to have you herding here with these louts.
Rise above them. These cowards are fit for nothing else, but
you, you can be a man if you choose."
While I spoke I saw his eyes—which were fixed somewhat
shame-strickenly upon the ground—gradually light up. A new
possibility had dawned upon him.
" I think you're right, sir," he said at last, very gratefully;
then he added with great firmness—" I'll enlist whenever I get
out."
He meant to do it, and would have done it, but for his
mother. What fatality prompted her to veto the whole plan ?
:—to abjure him with tears and clinging love, which were resist-
less, to remain at home and not trouble himself about the
future while he had her to slave for him ? She shuddered at
16}
as for a cord, and most likely had been stolen from some
sailor. Across the buck-horn handle Jim had made two deep
notches with a file, with a cross cut between, forming the
letter H.
This knife, after some joking comments by me, was put
away with Jim's tobacco pipe. and other treasures, to be
returned to him when his term expired. But beforethat time
came Jim had done something which quickened curiously the
interest I already felt in his career. One of the warders had
in some way excited the rancour of three prisoners, and they
laid their heads together and recklessly resolved to "pitch into
him." By a most ingenious plot they managed to get him
alone, and then ferociously attacked him with hammers. Jim,
however, had taken a liking to the man, and, happening to be
near, he at once, with that bull-dog bravery which had always
distinguished him, took the part of the warder. He fought
two of them single handed, though a good deal pounded and
hurt in the struggle, and was seized with them, by mistake,
and hurried off to the dark cell. As soon as matters, had
been explained by the rescued warder, Jim was brought forth
and handsomely complimented by the governor, and from that
day till the expiry of his sentence treated with marked lenience
and favour. I was over in the jail shortly after this affair, and,
chancing to see Jim among the workers, I took him aside for
a word. " Jim," I said, putting my hand on his shoulder and
speaking with great earnestness, " you're in the wrong line
entirely. You are just the stuff a good soldier is made of.
Get into that as soon as you are let out. It'll be a new life—
an honest one—and advancement is sure for you. It's a sheer
waste of material to have you herding here with these louts.
Rise above them. These cowards are fit for nothing else, but
you, you can be a man if you choose."
While I spoke I saw his eyes—which were fixed somewhat
shame-strickenly upon the ground—gradually light up. A new
possibility had dawned upon him.
" I think you're right, sir," he said at last, very gratefully;
then he added with great firmness—" I'll enlist whenever I get
out."
He meant to do it, and would have done it, but for his
mother. What fatality prompted her to veto the whole plan ?
:—to abjure him with tears and clinging love, which were resist-
less, to remain at home and not trouble himself about the
future while he had her to slave for him ? She shuddered at