The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1900-05-16
CHAPTER IN.

Mr. Hardy looked at his son sternly,
standing at the little distance off he
had recoiled after that first recogui-
tion of the boy. 1t would be difficult
70 describe his emotions. He had new
er been an aifectionatc father to his
boys. lie had generally given them
money when the" 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 popularity dcsignates as
fast" He had never made COM
panlon of his son. lie had not grown
up with him. 50 that now as he faced
him under the strange circumstances
that had brought them together he was
actually at loss to know what 70 do
or Sly.
The thought that his son was guilty
OF crime which might put him be-
hind prison bars did not yet occur to
his mind. He was only conscious of q
great longing to get back home and
there have Il thorough talk with his
boy In the hope Of winning him to bet
ter things. But he must say something
10 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 81 good clutch on him."
George was the first to speak:
Father, you know wouldn't do
such n 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 onlv fooling."
ut 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 tirstborn.
All, 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 i!at does not car
ry with it any hope of redceming self
ish past
aH After his father had spoken George
sullcnly remained silent. MI 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 doe"
"Well, governor, that's pretty ques.
tlon 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
joke"
"a pretty joke to try to hold man
up on the highway ana demand his
money! Oh, no! That's carrying
Johc tOO I'LL. l. III DOUllu 10 ODcy OF
ders. We've been after this gang of
young chaps for Il month now"
But. officer, you don't understand!
This is my SOM"
"Well, what of that? Don't we Jug
sons every day for some deyiltry or
other? DO you suppose you are the
only father whose son Is going to the
devil!"
20 God, no" 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 I saying?
He might be now IL I had done my
duty"
Mr.. Hardy confronted the officer
with certain sorrOwful dignity which
even that hardened defender of the
law understood
officer. let the boy go. will answer
for 1t If any blame falls on you for it.