He is older and stronger, too: that will count in your favor." They reached the jail yard gate, and there, in the face of a crowd of curious people, the minister bowed his proud head and put his arm about his son and kissed his hair.

Then, with tears upon his face, he addressed the sheriff: "Mr.Sheriff, I resign my boy to your care.

Remember, he is but a lad, and he is my only son.

Deal gently with him .-- Harold, submit to the law and all will end well.

I will bring mother and Maud to see you at once." As the gate closed on his son the minister drew a deep breath, and a cry of bitter agony broke from his clinched lips: "O God, O God! My son is lost!" The story of the encounter, even as it dribbled forth from Slocum, developed extenuating circumstances.