So I went into the blacksmith shop, and remained their six
weeks. But, debilitated as I was, the work was too hard for me, and
so the warden put me in the yard to do what I could. I also swept
the halls and assisted in the cook-room. One day when the warden
spoke to me, I told him that I knew something about taking care of
the sick, and after some conversation, he transferred me to the
hospital as a nurse.
Here, if there is such a things as contentment in prison, I was
comparatively happy. I nursed the sick and administered medicines
under direction of the doctor. I had too, with all easy position,
more liberty than any other prisoner. I could go anywhere about the
halls and yard, and in a few weeks I was frequently sent on an
errand into the town. Everyone seemed to have the fullest confidence
in me. The Warden talked to me whenever he saw me, and always had
some kind word for me. One day I ventured to speak to him about his
horse, of which he was very proud, and indeed the horse was a very
fine one.
Mr. Warden, said I "that's a noble horse of yours; but he interferes
badly, and that is only because he is badly shod. If you will
trust me, I can shoe him so as to prevent all that."
"Can you?" exclaimed the Warden in great surprise; "Well, if you
can, I'll give you a good piece of bread and butter, or, anything
else you want."
"I don't want your bread and butter," said I "but I will shoe your
horse as he has never been shod before."
"Well take the horse to the shop and see what you can do.
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