s that when the thought, suppose I should not get more
than a dozen votes, would rush into my mind, I would feel as if I
had better not be so fresh while in limbo. Several times during the
afternoon and evening I took up the piece of paper, on which was written
my announcement, to tear it into shreds, and as often I would lay it
down. I viewed the subject from almost every conceivable standpoint. I
reasoned as follows: Prior to this I had decided to write a book on my
penitentiary career, as well as to deliver a lecture at various points
in the State on the same subject. To be successful in these enterprises
I must be advertised. And I knew that should I announce myself as a
candidate for such an important office while in the penitentiary I
would get a good ventilation. In this I was not mistaken. When the
announcement appeared in the Leavenworth "Times" it was quickly copied
and commented upon by the newspapers all over the country. Some of these
newspapers in their comments stated that I had more "cheek" than should
be allotted to ordinary mortals. Some said "he is a nervy cuss." Others
said his back isn't broken. Now and then one could be found that
predicted my election. So the matter was discussed, pro and con, for
several weeks, not only by the newspapers of Kansas, but whole columns
would appear in the St. Louis, Chicago and Denver papers, as well as
those of other cities. I was advertised. It would have cost me thousands
of dollars to pay for the ventilation I received just for making that
little simple announcement, had I been forced to pay the regular rates
of advertising.

But to return. It was at a late hour of the night when I closed my eyes
in slumber. Before doing so I had made the final decision; I had
crossed the Rubicon; I had looked the ground over, and had my plans well
matured. The next morning, after the day's work had commenced, and the
warden had come down to his office, I asked permission of my officer to
see Captain Smith. The officer wanted to know what my business was with
the warden. My reply was, "Official and strictly private." My request
was granted. I was soon standing in the presence of the big-hearted
Warden Smith, and being asked as to what I wanted, I said, "Captain, I
thought I would come in and get your opinion as to whether I was crazy
or not, and if you think I am not beside myself I would like to make a
statement to you and ask your advice." A few days before this I had had
seve