"Nothing would give me greater pleasure," said the gallant Governor, "than to hear from you some day as a believer." "Sir," I replied, "I would not have you entertain any such hope, for it will never be realised.

My Freethought is not a hobby, but a conviction.

You must remember that I have been a Christian, that I know all that can be said in defence of your creed, and that I am well acquainted with all your best writers.

I am a Freethinker in spite of this; I might say _because_ of it.

And can you suppose that my imprisonment will induce me to regard Christianity with a more friendly eye?
On the contrary, it confirms my belief that your creed, to which you are personally so superior, is a curse, and carries the spirit of persecution in its heart of hearts." Colonel Milman smiled sadly.