Page:Ten Nights in a Bar room.pdf/214

206 "What do you mean, sir?" was inquired.

"Simply, that your sons are in equal danger with others."

"And is that all?"

"They have been seen, of late, in the bar room of the 'Sickle and Sheaf.'"

"Who says so?"

"Twice within a week I have seen them going in there," was answered.

"Good heavens! No!"

"It is true, my friend. But who is safe? If we dig pits, and conceal them from view, what marvel if our own children fall therein?"

"My sons going to a tavern?" The man seemed utterly confounded. How can I believe it? You must be in error, sir."

"No. What I tell you is the simple truth. And if they go there"

The man paused not to hear the conclusion of the sentence, but went hastily from the office.

"We are beginning to reap as we have