The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1900-05-03
CONTINUED
CHAPTER IN,

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 las,
few days had he known that he was
what the age popularity designates 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 dc
or say.
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 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 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 | wouldn't do
such thing really. We were only out
for a little fun. We didn't knew you.
Of course. We didn't mean any real
harm. We were only fooling"
1T 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 firstborn.
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 O..
that bitterest Of all bitter feelings, use
less regret, the regret that does not car.
ry with 1t any hope Of redeeminI a 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 olLtr
man. said:
"Well. we must be moving on. It's
warmer in the lookup than out here,
So come along, yohng fellow, and dc
your talking tomorrow morning with
the rest of the drunks and disorder.
lies"
"Stop" cried Robert Hardy. "Thls
is my son! Do you understand? What
are you going to do!"
"Well, governor, that's pretty ques
tion at this time Of day. Do! I'm 60
ing to jug him for assault with intent
to commit highway robbery. It's au
affair for the 'pen,' can tell you."
But you heard him say 1t was all q
joke"
"a pretty joke to try to hold man
up on the highway and demand his
money! oh, no! That's carrying q
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 Jus
sons every day for some deviltry ol
other? DO you suppose you are the
only father whose son Is going to ths
devil"
20 God, no!' cried Mr.. Hardy, will
sudden passion. "But this Is my oldel
boy. 1t would kill his mother to hav,
him arrested and put in Jail for trying
to rob his own father. Yet he wal
once innocent What am I saying
He might be now IL had done m!
duty"
Mr.. Hardy confronted the office
with n certain sorrowful dignity whicl
even that hardened defender Of tn
law understood.
"Officer. let the boy go. will answe
for it If any blame falls on you for II