I am trying to find the title of short story that I read back in high
school (1987-1989).  I am told by an old teacher that the story was
printed in McGraw Hills' "British & Western Literature" text.

The story begins with some very specific dimensions of what the reader
is led to believe are prison cells.  Running through a hole in the wall
of each cell is a long, damp cloth (or towel). Each cell contains a
different small number of men and women.  These prisoners believe they
will be set free if they can wring the cloth bone dry.  Each group
takes a different approach to the task. Basically, the story is an
analogy of life and living.  Please help me find the name of this work
and its author (who I believe is Russian, Czech or Polish and lived in
the mid-to-late 1800's).  Thank you.

Earlier this year someone asked a question about the same story:

http://www.answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=454310

Unfortunately, we never found an answer. I hope someone will be able
to help this time. It sounds like a fascinating story.