was obliged to be contented. The
necessary documents were made out, and with them I posted back to
Pittsburg. When I entered the cell of my fair friend and told her what I
had effected in her behalf, she burst into tears of gratitude and joy.
One long year taken off her sentence, was certainly something worth
considering.

"Courage, my friend!" said I, "even if you are obliged to serve out the
remnant of your sentence, which I trust will not be the case, a year
will soon pass away. I shall not leave Pittsburg until you are free. You
will see me often; and I will take care that you are abundantly provided
with everything that can contribute to your comfort. Keep up a good
heart; you have at least one friend who will never desert you."

Three months passed away, during which time I gained an excellent
subsistence by writing for various newspapers and magazines. Three times
every week I had an interview with Mrs. Raymond, whom I caused to be
supplied with every comfort and luxury as allowed by the rules of the
prison. She had just nine months to serve, when one day I was
unexpectedly enabled to effect her liberation in the following manner.

I had called upon her, as usual. After an interview of about half an
hour's duration, I bade her adieu and left her apartment. To gain the
street, it was necessary to pass through the office of the prison. In
that office were generally seated three or four turnkeys, one of whom
always went and locked Mrs. Raymond's door after my leaving her.

Upon entering the office on the occasion to which I now refer, I found
but one turnkey there, and he was _fast asleep_. I instantly resolved to
take advantage of the lucky circumstance which good fortune had thrown
in my way.

Hastening back to Mrs. Raymond's cell, I briefly told her the state of
affairs and bade her follow me. She obeyed, as might be supposed,
without much reluctance. We passed through the office and out into the
street; but, before departing, I transferred the key from the inside to
the outside of the door and locked the sleeping turnkey in, so that
there could be no possibility of his immediately pursuing us, when he
should awaken and discover the flight of his prisoner.

I was tolerably well furnished with cash, and my fair friend, at my
suggestion, purchased an elegant bonnet and shawl--for, it will be
remembered, she had resumed the garments appropriate to the female sex.
As for myself, I was exceedingly well dressed,