The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1900-12-27

begin 20 gaAer about ten o'clock-some-
times an hour earlier-and they walt,
or loaf, or slink about TIL about half-past
ten, when the door opens TO set free their
friends or acqusintances whose terms ex-
pire at that hour. Many time ! have
watched that scene from a safe point
among the trees on the opposite slope,
getting valuable hints AZ TO who was the
boon companion OF some OF my BARNS
aud therefore likeliest 20 be involved Win
him in his next crime.
The most casual observer could here
distinguish the confirmed criminal ana
1aii-bird from the shrinking and shame
faced amateur or beginner, creeping OUT
after his first sentence. The tncorriglDie
comes out smiling and cool, an>- sreets
Eis companions as affably as IL he had
just returned from "A tour through the
Lakes; the amateur looks as IL he rather
endure second sentence than run the
gauntlet of those curious eyes. OF course
there are others there who can scarcely
be cassed as criminals-wives waiting
tenderly for the husbands who have bait
tered their heads and blackened their
eyes, and children waiting for their
dreadful mothers-but in these 1 have
less direct interest
II was while watching for certain pur-
pose this strange gathering that l first
noticed particularly the boy whose case
/ am now giving. | had taken him when
he was wanted" BUT the case was such
a commonplace affair that ] paid little
attention TO the young criminal. and do
not now remember what was his sentence
probably thirty days. Willie White
was Just fourteen, and did not look like
a thief-having a frank, open look i'm his
face--but a thief he certainly was. lie
had stolen both money and goods from
his employer. The merchant had consult
ed us--had been told TO mark some mon
ey, and the boy was neatly trapped with
the marked coins IN his pocket IL was
bad cnse inasmuch as the boy had been
greatly trusted. and was so strongly be-
lieved In by IS parents that they indig-
nantly denounced the arrest as cruel
plot. till the trial came, and their eyes
were opened.
When the sentence was passed. the ia
ther--a feeble, consumptive-l looking man
rose from among the spectators, and, ad-
dressing the boy as he was being led from
the bar. said
..Ance a thief. aye a thief Never speak
70 me or.look near me az long as ye livel
I'm no your father now-mind that
I'm no your father"
"But I'm aye your mother, Willie!
cried weeping woman at his side. ut
was that scoundrel Stark that put IL a In
the laddies held"
That was all that passed as the boy
was led out: but the whole scene came
back 10 my memory when the jail door
opened and the hoy stepped timidly forth
into the sunshine. There he was,
branded felon. cast off by every one, and
now thrown on the world TO sink or swim
ms fate ordained.
Just as / recognized him and recalled
the scene at the police court. ] saw Bob
Stark step forward and lay hand on. the
boys arm. Stark was then a lad of
eighteen or nineteen--a ti.-ef undoubtedly.
but so cunning IN all his operations that
few convictions were ever scored against
him. had no doubt then that Stark. as
the poor mother said had a finger in the
pie; that familiar touch on the arm told
the whole story. And IL did more, for II
pointed 10 the future, and told OF the
certain fate OF the as yet almost un-
stained young life. IL was almost pity
10 let IL 20 unchecked, and | was In the
act OF crossing the road TO interpose
sharp warming when a shabbily dressed
woman, whom i recognized as the moth
err, elbowed her way to the boys side
and laid a hand on the opposite arm TO
that enclasped by the trainer Of thieves.
paused then, and watched the scene
which Followed with deepest interest.
The thief was~evidently angry at the
mlEfTultlOn. tOI Ills NOitt IDrt W 6u aii-
Kry snarl ;the boy was evidently swayed
powerfully. for he paused and held back
from the tugging grasp OF Stark.
'You won't give MIN a lodging, or take
him homer cried the trainer OF thieves.
tThen what the - do you want with
him? I'm willing TO give him a crib. and
help him all | can. Surely he knows
which is best?'
You should have been in jail instead
- L. .tn.l o. el..., glAv
"All a mistake said stark, with a
Coarse laugh. Would YOU IKE him 10
sleep I'm the street at night. ch?''
Yes, an his grave, rather than he
Should garg WI you" cried the excited
mother, tightening her grasp upon the
arm OF the BOY. Speak oot, Willie
wasn't Il that yiipin that egged We on
T. that ye did?'~
There WIS no reply from the boy, but
Lis flushed check and downcast eye were
. sufficient answer.
Come along, Willie; never mind her;
they've cot you for good: so what's the
tETF or ffvtrrfrry tu- frrr -,vftittiris
rough speech Stark dragged the boy away
hy sheer force. while. at the same mo-
ment some of his acquaintances sur
Ygunded and began 20 jostle and abuse
The poor MT ther. in moment moro
vas II fougi. them. and had stark wrench
yd round by the collar. The moment his
eye fell on my face he let SO the boys
arm and tried 10 smile pleasantly.
whats up now Jafnic2 Gently, gent
ly. don't tear my collar II yc can help"
Look you. Stark" said with some ex-
citement. "l've had my eye on YOU for a
good while now. and when 7 do take you
u won't be for trifiing thirty or sixty
DAYS yonll go in. What do you want
with CHS boy
"To max him thief like himsel'. Mais-
Ter MGovan." cried the poor mother.
who had got rid OF her tormentors as II
by magic. ''Oh. what for can ye no pit
him I'm jail. where he'll no get at young
iaddies. 10 corrupt them and max them
waur than himself"
Its free country. l s'pose." sullenly
answered Stark The lad can go where
he likes. l am not forcing him, am ="
And YOU 1joydo YOU want TO go with
him and become jall bird and AN outcast
FOR lifc9" ! sharply pursued, addressing
the boy.
mo: ! don't he answered with much
resolution, and drawing himself up with
The FIRST flfmness ne had shown since
Gulttins the prison
Then. you waik,'' I cried 20 Stark
walk this moment or I'll take you
pow"
Ike needed no second command hut
a -. 81