Tasks at the Prison

In order to learn whether their tasks were heavy or not, your reporter was allowed to ask one of the prisoners a few questions upon the subject. He selected Raymond, who had been sent up for a number of years for post office robbery. After the men had retired to their cells and the clang of the heavy iron bars of which each one closed a tier of cells, had ceased ringing with its cold steely sound in his ears, the reporter went to the door of the cell occupied by Raymond and said:

"Raymond, where do you work?"

In the laconic prison tones, which in long years of silent labor became second nature, he replied:

"In the wagon factory."

"How many pieces have been allotted you as a task?"

"Twelve."

"How many did you make to-day?"

"Twenty-three."

"How many could you readily make in work hours?"

"Two tasks."

Raymond's cell, like a number of others, was fitted up at the farther end with shelves, upon which were piled books, papers and pictures. By this means the more intelligent prisoners while away the tedium of the hours of evening before the command to "put out the lights and retire" is given.