, the general
facts as they had occurred, and the interview just had with the
Governor, to which the eldest of the number replied, "Your case is a
foregone conclusion. It is already decided. You can not do a thing." But
another proposed to consult with the attorney already in the work, and
arrange as thought advisable.

Returning home, I found a friend waiting to inform me of the proffered
service of still another lawyer. Thus friends were aroused and clustered
around ready to help, as I had not anticipated. No little excitement
prevailed in the place.

29. _The adjourned hearing._ I went to this with ideas clear, thoughts
collected, mind pretty thoroughly aroused, and feeling ready to attempt
a vindication of the right. Being again called on first, I commenced,
referred to the assertion that I made the previous evening about not
alluding to the prison in my lectures, that I was wrong in this, that I
did refer to it, stating on what points, and the sentiments uttered,
presenting the letters that I had received, showing that I uttered no
such ideas as alleged, and gave a general outline of my reform moves at
the prison and the motives that impelled me to voluntarily assume such
excessive labors, closing thus: "And now, gentlemen, if, after doing all
this, I am to be crushed, it will be a hard case."

They now referred to the other cases on which but little more was
brought out. Before closing, one of the council, turning to me,
remarked, "Now, Mr. Quinby, if you know of anything wrong at the prison,
not here developed, we wish you to be free and state it, for we desire
to understand the truth." But I did not think it best for me to say
anything farther then, for, if I did, it would be opening a square fight
with the warden, which I by no means desired, and for which I did not
feel myself prepared. It would have been really stepping forward as
leader in the matter, a position which I did not wish. Then, again, as I
supposed, such prejudice had somehow been aroused against me, that,
should I attempt to make further development, it would be of little or
no use, and perhaps be worse for the cause than my silence. Besides, I
hoped that the time would come, and that not far distant, when our
rulers would have their eyes opened, and matters be so effectually
sifted as to find the real truth.

Thus, the hearing closed, and we left the deliberating body to make up
judgment, which was that "no blame is to be attached to