The rules of civilised society naturally lapse in prison.
Talking is strictly prohibited, "pals" are rigorously kept apart, nobody knows who will be next him in the exercise ring, and any man who wants to wag his tongue must strike up a conversation with his immediate neighbor.

"How long are ye doing ?" is almost invariably the introduction.

This muttered question brings a muttered answer.
Confidences are exchanged, and the conversation grows animated, until at last the speakers forget prudence, and betray themselves to the eyes or ears of an officer, who immediately parts them, or makes them both fall out, and reports them to the Governor for violating the rules.

The old stagers acquire a knack of talking without moving their lips, so that the words just reach the man in front or behind.

If an officer suspects one of these worthies, he calls out, "Now then, seventeen, I see ye!" "See me what ?" says the indignant innocent.