Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1900-04-24
CHAPTER IX.

standing at the little distance on lie
had recoiled after that first recognl-
ton of the boy. II would be difficult
to describe his emotions. He had ncv
er been an afrectionate father TO his
boys He had generally given them
money when they asked for II and had
not questioned them about Its use.
He was not familiar with his older
sons habits and only within the last
few days had he known that he was
what the age popularity desIgpatcs as
"fast." He had never made com
| panion Of his son. He had not grown
| up with him. SO that now as he faced
him under the strange circumstances
that had brought them together he was
actually at loss to know what to do
or say.
The thought that his son was guilty
| Of a crime which might put him be-
hind prison bars did not yet occur TO
his mind. He was only conscious Of a
great longing to get back home and
there have thorough talk with his
boy In the hope Of winning him to bet.
ter things. But he must say something
| to George.
| The police officer stared In wonder
after the first startled cry Of Father
on the part Of the young man. but he
| did not loosen his hold on him. He
| took an extra twist In the coat collar
Of his captive and looked sharply at
Mr. Hardy as much rs to say. "He may
be your son. but he's my victim, and ]
mean to keep good clutch on him."
George was the first to speak:
Father. you know wouldn't do
such thing really. We were only out
| for a little fun. We didn't know you.
Of course We didn't mean any real
harm. We were only fooling."
at was dangerous fooling," replied
bis father.
He still stood apart from the boy and
spoke quietly. but his face was pale.
and his heart was wrung with torture
for his frstborn.
Ah, how careless Of him he had been!
How little companionship the two had
had! How very little help the boy had
received from the man!
Now, believing that only four more
days lay before him to use to the glory
Of God. Robert Hardy felt the sting Of
that bltterest Of all bitter feelings, use
less regret. the regret that does not car
ry with it any hope Of redeeming a self
lsh past.
| After his father had spoken George
| sullenly remained silent Mr.. Hardy
| bowed his head and seemed thinking.
| The officer. who had been waiting for
another move on the part Of the older
man. said:
"well. we must be moving on. It's
warmer In the lookup than out here.
| So come along. young fellow. and do
| your talking tomorrow morning with
the rest Of the drunks and disorder
lies"
Stop cried Robert Hardy. This
is my son! Do you understand What
are you going to dor
"Well, governor, that's pretty ques-
ton at this time Of day. Do! I'm 60
Ing to jug him for assault with intent
to commit highway Eobbery. It's an
affair for the 'pen.' can tell you"
"But you heard him say 1t was all
joke"
"a pretty Joke to try to hold a man
up on the highway and demand bis
money! Oh. no! That's carrying
Joke too far. I'm bound to obey or
ders. We've been after this gang of
young chaps for month now."
"But. officer. you don't understand
This Is my son!"
"well. what of that? Don't we jug
sons every day for some deviltry or
otherl DO you suppose you are the
only father whose son Is going to the
devilT
20 God. nor cried Mr.. Hardy. with
sudden passion. "But this Is my older
boy. It would kill bis mother to have
him arrested and put In jail for tryiag
to rob his own father. Yet he was
once innocent What am I saying!
He might be now II had done my
duty"
Mr.. Hardy confronted the officer
with certain sorrowful dignity which
even that hardened defender OF the
law understood.
"Omcer. let the boy 60. ] will answer
Tor It II any blame falls on you for It
he was not at fault In this matter. he
was not the one who assaulted me. He
did not touch me. You could not get .
particle of testimony against him. And,
besides that, II IL necessary that be no
turn with me. This II case for the
law Of God This belongs to higher
court"
The officer hesitated; Mr.. Hardy stsp'
ped nearer his son.
George" be said 20 II forgetting for
q moment that the officer was present.
.did you know that Clara and Bess
and VIII were In the accident last
nightT
i George turned pale and tremblinGly
replied: "No. father. Were they hurtl
Was Bess"-
| The boy seemed moved - his father
had not yet seen him.
| "No: they were not-that d, Bed
Iwas not hurt at Ill But Wnl was -.