THE VENERABLE DON BOSCO
"A day's freedom!" echoed the governor in consternation. "We should have to send all the soldiers in the kingdom to re-capture the criminals."
"Pardon me, governor, you are mistaken," insisted Don Bosco gently; "I shall appeal to honor, conscience; I do not want even one policeman."
The governor frowned; he evidently thought Don Bosco mad.
"Honor? Conscience?" he questioned. "The honor of thieves! The conscience of assassins!"
Nevertheless, he forwarded the petition and was astounded when it was returned "Granted," and signed by Ratazzi. He went to remonstrate with the prime minister, but was quietly told, "I wish the experiment tried."
Don Bosco's proposal was hailed with joy by the prisoners. While awaiting the permission, he talked to them in a fatherly manner, appealing to their honor and every one gave his word not to try to escape.
I cite a brief record of this strange holiday—this little oasis of happiness in the hard desert life of those unfortunate men:
"The next morning—a glorious day—Don Bosco, with his suite, started after Mass for the royal gardens of Stupinigi. Three or four hundred prisoners, marching in perfect order, joyous and unguarded, through the streets of Turin, solely under Don Bosco's custody, was a strange sight. The way to the gardens was long, but the
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