The Austere Governor

  A GOVERNOR visiting a State prison was implored¹ by a Convict to
pardon him.

  "What are you in for?" asked the Governor.

  "I held a high office," the Convict humbly² replied, "and sold
subordinate appointments."

  "Then I decline to interfere," said the Governor, with asperity³; "a
man who abuses his office by making it serve a private end and
purvey⁴ a personal advantage is unfit to be free.  By the way, Mr.
Warden," he added to that official, as the Convict slunk away, "in
appointing you to this position, I was given to understand that
your friends could make the Shikane county delegation⁵ to the next
State convention solid for - for the present Administration.  Was I
rightly informed?"

  "You were, sir."

  "Very well, then, I will bid you good-day.  Please be so good as to
appoint my nephew Night Chaplain and Reminder⁶ of Mothers and
Sisters."