"Keep about your work as though nothing had happened!"
I went to the door, blew my whistle, and sent for the Deputy. I waited in the entry for him, and stated the case before he went in to punish the women.
"McMullins gave the first blow; you know she is a poor, foolish thing; she has fits. You won't punish her this time, will you? She slapped O'Brien in the face, and she struck back. Won't you let them off this time?"
"Wouldn't it make you angry, and wouldn't you strike back if any one struck you in the face?"
"You won't punish her for doing what you would do yourself?"
"If one is punished both must be. The trouble began in Annie's not having her own things to use. I will see that each has her own things in future, and avoid cause of contention in that way as much as possible. If McMullins should have a fit in her cell, we should both feel bad. Can't you let them off with a reproof this time?"
"I can't. McMullins must not count on the fool's pardon when she fights. If I let her go now she might fly in any woman's face at any time. They never would be safe from her slappings. Don't you think they ought to be punished?"
"Yes, sir; with some kind of punishment."
"If I were to let them off, it would be known all through the prison in two hours, and there would be rebellion in all quarters."
"Subordination must be maintained. I wish there were a different way. I am so sorry to have the poor things locked up."
When he went into the kitchen, Annie O'Brien took off her apron, and delivered herself up to him without a word; but McMullins cried, and begged him not to lock her in a black cell.
He made no reply, but pointed them to the prison. As he went, he asked me to bring No. 1 key.
The black cells are of the same size, and made like the others. The only difference between them is, that the doors of the black cells are closed from the entrance of all light by a black board placed against the bars.
They have no beds in them, not a blanket to lie upon. Nothing but the cold stones to sit, to stand upon, or to lean against. The only article of furniture allowed in them is the night bucket, which may be converted into a seat. The rations, when in that "durance vile," is one quart of water, and one thin slice of bread during the twenty-four hours.