measures while he was yet a babe. I make this
confession in order that the Court may understand my relation to my son.
He was born with my own temper mingled with the poetic nature of his
mother. While he was yet a lad I beat him till he was discolored by
bruises. Twice I would have killed him only for the intervention of my
wife. I have tried to live down my infirmity, your Honor, and I have at
last secured control of myself, and I believe this boy will do the same,
but do not send him to be an associate with criminals. My God! do not
treat him as I would not do, even in my worst moments. Give him a chance
to reform outside State's prison. Don't fix on him that stain. I will
not say send me--that would be foolish trickery--but I beg you to make
some other disposition of this boy of mine. If he goes to the
penitentiary I shall strip from my shoulders the dress of the clergyman
and go with him, to be near to aid and comfort him during the term of
his sentence. Let the father in you speak for me, judge. Be merciful, as
we all hope for mercy on the great day, for Jesus' sake."

The judge looked out over the audience of weeping women and his face
warmed into life. He turned to the minister, who still stood before him
with hand outstretched, and when he spoke his voice was softened and his
eyes kindly.

"The Court has listened to the words of the father with peculiar
interest. The Court _is_ a father, and has been at a loss to understand
the relations existing between father and son in this case. The Court
thinks he understands them better now. As counsel for the defense has
said, I am an old man, soon to leave my seat upon the bench, and I do
not intend to let foolish pride or dry legal formalities stand between
me and the doing of justice. The jury has decided that the boy is
guilty, but has recommended him to the mercy of the Court. The plea of
the father has enlightened the Court on one or two most vital points.
Nothing is further from the mind of the Court than the desire to do
injury to a handsome and talented boy. Believing that the father and son
are about to become more closely united, the Court here transmutes the
sentence to one hundred dollars fine and six months in the county jail.
This will make it possible for the son and father to meet often, and the
father can continue his duties to the church. This the Court decides
upon as the final disposition of the accused. The case is closed. Call
the next case."