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sin of breaking the seventh commandment, I doubt if the
worst husband and the most unhappy home are not bet-
ter, in this social condition of ours, than the most devoted
lover. A strange subject this for a clergyman to speculate
upon! If this diary should ever fall into the hands of a real
God-fearing, honest booby, who never was tempted to sin
by finding that at middle-age he loved the wife of another,
how he would condemn me! And rightly, of course.
November 4th.—In one of the turnkey’s rooms in the
new gaol is to be seen an article of harness, which at first
creates surprise to the mind of the beholder, who considers
what animal of the brute creation exists of so diminutive
a size as to admit of its use. On inquiry, it will be found to
be a bridle, perfect in head-band, throat-lash, etc., for a hu-
man being. There is attached to this bridle a round piece of
cross wood, of almost four inches in length, and one and
a half in diameter. This again, is secured to a broad strap
of leather to cross the mouth. In the wood there is a small
hole, and, when used, the wood is inserted in the mouth,
the small hole being the only breathing space. This being se-
cured with the various straps and buckles, a more complete
bridle could not be well imagined.
I was in the gaol last evening at eight o’clock. I had been
to see Rufus Dawes, and returning, paused for a moment
to speak to Hailey. Gimblett, who robbed Mr. Vane of two
hundred pounds, was present, he was at that time a turnkey,
holding a third-class pass, and in receipt of two shillings per
diem. Everything was quite still. I could not help remark-
ing how quiet the gaol was, when Gimblett said, ‘There’s

For the Term of His Natural Life