five in the morning
An ingenious calculator had discovered that the pressure of the log upon the shoulder was wont to average 125 lbs . Members of the chain-gang were dressed in yellow , and -- by way of encouraging the others -- had the word `` Felon '' stamped upon conspicuous parts of their raiment . This was the sort of life Rufus Dawes led . In the summer-time he rose at half-past five in the morning , and worked until six in the evening , getting three-quarters of an hour for breakfast , and one hour for dinner . Once a week he had a clean shirt , and once a fortnight clean socks . If he felt sick , he was permitted to `` report his case to the medical officer '' . If he wanted to write a letter he could ask permission of the Commandant , and send the letter , open , through that Almighty Officer , who could stop it if he thought necessary .