HOW A REBELLIOUS PRISONER WAS TAMED.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6126, 12 March 1898, Page 3

HOW A REBELLIOUS PRISONER WAS TAMED.

Dome yeara *go a, man was connnea ior life in a French prison. He was very violent at times, and at others so sullenthat the warders were all afraid of him. One day it was seen that Jose looked less frowning than usual, and at times he almost had a smile on his face ; he was watching something hidden in his breast. _he warders did not feel comfortable; they must find out what he was doing. Two of them suddenly seized his arms from behind, and after binding him began to search his person. What did they find? Something that astonished them very much. It was not a weapon, as they feared, but a fine large rat. On this discovery poor Jose quite broke down, • fell on his knees in an agony of fear, crying out : " Oh, don't kill him ! Beat me if you like ; chain me; but if I may not keep him, let my poor rat go free !" The stern guards were moved to pity at this strange sight, and instead of hurting the rat, thoy let it ( drop to the floor and disappear. Then I Jose rose and sullenly began to work. In •I the course of a few days, while the con- -* viots were at work moving wood in the ) yaxd, Jobs felt something tickle his cheek. . fee turned quickly round, and gave a , about of joy. There, seated on his shoulder, was the only friend he had in the world, his rat, who had found him out and come creeping up to hia face. With eager hands he put it in his breast as before, and turning to the head gaoler, said : " Sir, if you will only let me keep this rat t solemnly promise to. submit to you in every way and never to .disobey you again !" The permission was given, and the man, with a happy smile, continued his wort. From that day the dreaded convict was a new being ; he became the best conducted man in the prison, while bis great strength and energy were both used to' help the governor. The rat waß ' never away from him ; it shared his meals, slept in his bed, and his master made little toys of bone which he sold in order to buy goodies, sach as sugar and gingerbread, for his pet.