Jennie Gerhardt. Theodore Dreiser

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      Gerhardt was in despair; he did not know any one to whom he could appeal between the hours of two and nine o'clock in the morning. He went back to talk with his wife, and then to his post of duty. What was to be done? He could think of only one friend who was able, or possibly willing to do anything. This was the glass manufacturer, Hammond; but he was not in the city. Gerhardt did not know this, however.

      When nine o'clock came, he went alone to the court, for it was thought advisable that the others should stay away. Mrs. Gerhardt was to hear immediately what happened. He would come right back.

      When Sebastian was lined up inside the dock he had to wait a long time, for there were several prisoners ahead of him. Finally his name was called, and the boy was pushed forward to the bar. "Stealing coal, Your Honor, and resisting arrest," explained the officer who had arrested him.

      The magistrate looked at Sebastian closely; he was unfavorably impressed by the lad's scratched and wounded face.

      "Well, young man," he said, "what have you to say for yourself? How did you get your black eye?"

      Sebastian looked at the judge, but did not answer.

      "I arrested him," said the detective. "He was on one of the company's cars. He tried to break away from me, and when I held him he assaulted me. This man here was a witness," he added, turning to the railroad hand who had helped him.

      "Is that where he struck you?" asked the Court, observing the detective's swollen jaw.

      "Yes, sir," he returned, glad of an opportunity to be further revenged.

      "If you please," put in Gerhardt, leaning forward, "he is my boy. He was sent to get the coal. He—"

      "We don't mind what they pick up around the yard," interrupted the detective, "but he was throwing it off the cars to half a dozen others."

      "Can't you earn enough to keep from taking coal off the coal cars?" asked the Court; but before either father or son had time to answer he added, "What is your business?"

      "Car builder," said Sebastian.

      "And what do you do?" he questioned, addressing Gerhardt.

      "I am watchman at Miller's furniture factory."

      "Um," said the court, feeling that Sebastian's attitude remained sullen and contentious. "Well, this young man might be let off on the coal-stealing charge, but he seems to be somewhat too free with his fists. Columbus is altogether too rich in that sort of thing. Ten dollars."

      "If you please," began Gerhardt, but the court officer was already pushing him away.

      "I don't want to hear any more about it," said the judge. "He's stubborn, anyhow. What's the next case?"

      Gerhardt made his way over to his boy, abashed and yet very glad it was no worse. Somehow, he thought, he could raise the money. Sebastian looked at him solicitously as he came forward.

      "It's all right," said Bass soothingly. "He didn't give me half a chance to say anything."

      "I'm only glad it wasn't more," said Gerhardt nervously. "We will try and get the money."

      Going home to his wife, Gerhardt informed the troubled household of the result. Mrs. Gerhardt stood white and yet relieved, for ten dollars seemed something that might be had. Jennie heard the whole story with open mouth and wide eyes. It was a terrible blow to her. Poor Bass! He was always so lively and good-natured. It seemed awful that he should be in jail.

      Gerhardt went hurriedly to Hammond's fine residence, but he was not in the city. He thought then of a lawyer by the name of Jenkins, whom he knew in a casual way, СКАЧАТЬ