[The Eagle’s Heart by Hamlin Garland]@TWC D-Link bookThe Eagle’s Heart CHAPTER IV 20/26
Discipline has been lacking. Here, at last, he so far oversteps the law that he appears before a jury.
It seems to the Court necessary, for this young man's own good, that he feel the harsh hand of the law.
According to the evidence adduced here to-day, he has been for years beyond the control of his parents, and must now know the inflexible purpose of law.
I have in mind all that can be said in his favor: his youth, the disparity of age and physical power between himself and his accuser, the provocation, and the possession of the whip by the accuser--but all these are more than counterbalanced by the record of mischief and violence which stands against the prisoner." There was a solemn pause, and the judge sternly said: "Prisoner, stand up." Harold arose.
"For an assault committed upon the person of one Clinton Slocum, I now sentence you, Harold Excell, to one year in the penitentiary, and may you there learn to respect the life and property of your fellow-citizens." "Judge! I beg----" The tall form of Mr.Excell arose, seeking to speak. The judge motioned him to silence. Brown interposed: "I hope the court will not refuse to hear the father of the prisoner.
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