But nevertheless the information conveyed by the
telegrams altogether changed the opinion of the public as to the
guilt or innocence of Phineas Finn. His life now might have been
insured, as against the gallows, at a very low rate. It was felt
that no jury could convict him, and he was much more pitied in
being subjected to a prolonged incarceration than even those twelve
unfortunate men who had felt sure that the Wednesday would have been
the last day of their unmerited martyrdom.
Phineas in his prison was materially circumstanced precisely as
he had been before the trial. He was supplied with a profusion of
luxuries, could they have comforted him; and was allowed to receive
visitors. But he would see no one but his sisters,--except that he
had one interview with Mr. Low. Even Mr. Low found it difficult to
make him comprehend the exact condition of the affair, and could not
induce him to be comforted when he did understand it. What had he to
do,--how could his innocence or his guilt be concerned,--with the
manufacture of a paltry key by such a one as Mealyus? How would it
have been with him and with his name for ever if this fact had not
been discovered? "I was to be hung or saved from hanging according to
the chances of such a thing as this! I do not care for my life in a
country where such injustice can be done.
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