Middletown transcript., 1900-06-16
CHAPTER TX.

Mr.. Hardy looked at his son sternly,
standing at the little distance off he
had recoiled after that first recogni-
ton Of the boy. 1t would be difficult
to describe his emotions. He had new
er been an affectionate father to his
boys. He had generally given them
money when they asked for it 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 popularly designates as
"fast." He had never made a 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
great longing to get back home and
there have a 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 "Fatherw
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 as 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 I wouldn't do
such thing really. We were only out
for 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
his 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 f1rstborn.
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 bitterest Of all bitter feelings, use
less regret, the regret that does notscar-
ry with it any hope of redeeming self
ish 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"
"Stopw cried Robert Hardy. "This |
is my son! Do you understand What |
are you going to do?'
"WeI, governor, that's pretty ques-
ton at this time Of day. Do! I'm go
ing to jug him for assault with intent |
to commit highway robbery. It's an
affair for the 'pen,' can tell you"
"But you heard him say it was all a
joke"
"a pretty joke to try to hold a man
up on the highway and demand his
Oh, no! That's carrying a
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 sonW
"Well, what of that? Don't we jug
sons every day for some deviltry or
other? Do you suppose you are the
only father whose son is going to the
devil"
30 God, mop cried Mr.. Hardy, with
sudden passion. "But this is my older
boy. 1t would kill his mother to have
him arrested and put in Jail for trying
to rob his own father. Yet he was
once innocent What am l saying?,
He might be now If | had done my
duty"
Mr.. Hardy confronted the officer
with certain sorrowful dignity which
even that hardened defender Of the
aw understood
"Oficer, let the boy CO. l will answer
FOR it if any blame falls on you for it