Carthage College - Driftwood / Crimson Rambler Yearbook (Kenosha, WI)

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l l THE COLLEGIAN guess I forgot the consequences. Father. I don't want to go yet. He wiped a tear from his eye. Be brave. Boy. be brave, comforted the warden. It's all right for you to say that. You should worry. You're not waiting for something you can't escape. You don,t have to sit in cold sweat and in mental agony while you wait for something you don't want. It's Hell. As he Spoke he clutched at his breast and a wry look flashed across his face. What's wrong? the warden asked as he noticed the boy's action. Nothing that matters now, the boy bitterly replied. My heartls weak. Has Ieanne come? No. not yet. Do they always forsake a condemned man like this? I killed him for what he did to her and now she Oh. this damned waiting! His jaw set, a strange look entered his eye as he pleaded. Take me now. Warden. Get it over with! I must abide by the law. Son. Pray to God that He forgive you sin, Son, said the priest. In Him shall you find consolation. Daegert flung himself disconsolately on the cot. As he lay there his boyishness was accentuated by the tired look that crept across his face. Anything but death, he thought. I had had h0p85 of leaving same- thing behind for which I would be remembered and revered. I don't want to die yet. Wonder what it's like. If only 1 could be reprieved. Would he commit another crime if he were given life and liberty? I'd gamble he wouldn't, the warden thought. I pray to God that he be given his life. But if He wills it not. may He be generous and merciful to his soul. the priest thought. A prison attendant disturbed the Warden with, Phone for you. sir. Thanks. Wait until I get back. Daegert waited tensely, strained with anxiety. When the Warden returned. Daegert stood clutching the bars of his cell-dark hair in disorder; eyes burning with an expectant, hopeful light. The voice of the Warden rang with relief as he exclaimed: Not only reprieve but mitigation of sentence. You can get out in ten years if you're a good boy. Jeanne Bancroft explained to the governor. That's why. I'm glad someone thinks the same way I do. he said as he slumped to the floor. I didnt want His body relaxed. HI-Ie's dead. said the doctor after examining the body. His heart must have failed him. Page 29

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THE COLLEGIAN Warden. was just a story Quite logical. Father. Yes. but the court didn't know that Miss Bancroft was Daegert's fiancee. t'So that's it, eh! At that hunting lodge Daegert caught Stuart trying to force hi5 at- tentions upon Miss Bancroft. Words led to blows and in the scramble Daegert shot Stuart. Because he didn't want to embarrass her in public. Daegert neglected to tell this story. He asked again about reprieve. Have you had any news? None at all. Father. Does he have any chance? I'm afraid he doesn't His case was carried to the higher courts and even there his deed was considered worthy of death. Yes. but with what we know nowe But it isn't within my jurisdiction to postpone an execution. IE I could I'd give him both liie and freedom. Are you going to visit him before he goes in, Warden? Yes. He only has thirtyvhve minutes. All right. lefs 90. Through the cold silent corriders the two men walked silently. each plunged in thought. News? cried Daegert as the two reached the cell door, opened it. and entered. Not yet, son. Keep up courage. There was something about the death cells which instantly lowered the hopes of the inmates. Nine ceIIs. built in a semi-circle, faced the door Which lead to the death chamber. the door through which the condemned took their last walk. The cells themselves were as naked as the souls that waited an inevitable death and that writhed in the agony of that waita ing. Bare wooden bench. one chair, and a small table comprised the furnishings of each cell. It was conducive to fear and despair not un- Hinching courage. Some had waited, justly paying for their deeds; others. victims of uncontrollable circumstance, waited to pay far in excess E0: the deeds they had committed. n I'm not afraid. but I understand. Son. I thought he got what he deserved. I avenged myself of the in- justice he dealt to me and for the dishonor he showed to my fiancee. I

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THE COLLEGFAN