"And rest assured Nick is entirely innocent of this crime.

I have become deeply interested in that boy.
He has had a bad name, it is true; but somehow I seemed to feel that there were elements of great good in him, if only he could be brought to book, and made to change his ways of life.

He must have a new viewpoint of human nature, to start with.

I thought I might arouse him through talking, and fatherly advice, but so far I could not see success following my labors.

But you have hit upon an ingenious device, my boy, that promises wonderful results.