IMAGINATION 409audience a man whom I had known as a successful businessman more
than ten years previously. That man was B--, whose pardon I later
secured, and the story of whose release has been spread across the front
page of practically every newspaper in the United States. Perhaps you
will recall it.
After I had completed my address I interviewed Mr. B--and
found out that he had been sentenced for forgery, for a period of twenty
years. After he told me his story I said, "I will have you out of here in
less than sixty days!"
With a forced smile he replied: "I admire your spirit but question
your judgment. Why, do you know that at least twenty influential men
have tried every means at their command to get me released, without
success? It can't be done!"
I suppose it was that last remark-It can't be done--that challenged
me to show him that it could be done. I then returned to New York
City and requested that my wife pack her trunks and get ready for an
indefinite stay in the city of Columbus, where the Ohio penitentiary
is located.
I had a definite purpose in mind! That purpose was to get B----out
of the Ohio penitentiary. Not only did I have in mind securing his
release, but I intended to do it in such a way that his release would
erase from his breast the scarlet letter of "convict" and at the same
time reflect credit upon all who helped to bring about his release.
Not once did I doubt that I would achieve it, for no salesman can
make a sale if he doubts that he can do it. My wife and I returned to
Columbus and took up permanent headquarters.
The next day I called on the governor of Ohio and stated the object
of my visit in about these words:
"Governor, I have come to ask you to release B-from the
Ohio penitentiary. I have sound reason for asking his release, and I
hope you will give him his freedom at once, but I have come prepared
to stay until he is released, no matter how long that may be.