It may be the best thing that ever happened to Tip if he is sent to the Reform School before he plunges any deeper into the mire of crime.

Plenty of boys have become fine men after being sent there, to be taught what it should have been the duty of their careless or incompetent parents to put into their heads." "Do you mean that you might take a notion to drop a hint to the Chief, Thad ?" "I'll think it over, and decide later," the other told him.

"Perhaps I'll ask advice of Dominie Pettigrew, who's a good friend of mine, and would tell me what my duty was, not only to Tip, but to the community at large, which he had so flagrantly abused time and again." "Suit yourself about that, Thad.

Perhaps, after all, you may be right, and that it would be a good thing all around if Tip could be sent away with Leon.

But it's likely Leon will weaken when his trial comes off, and betray his pal; though he may give Tip a hint beforehand so he can clear out in time." "And about Nick Lang ?" continued Thad.
"I haven't changed my mind about him, as yet," Hugh replied sturdily enough.