“Back on your fountain, sir,” was the reply.
“You say it’s broken?”
“Yes, sir. Broken in two.”
“Then it’s beyond repair, and you two boys shall pay for it.”
He spoke firmly still, but quietly. He said nothing more about crimes, nor about penalties, nor about the state’s prison. The question now appeared to be simply one of compensation.
“That piece of marble,” he continued, after a moment of consideration, “was of considerable value.”
He turned suddenly to Hal. “Have you any money?” he asked.
“No,” replied the boy; “except a few dollars in the savings bank.”
“Well, it doesn’t matter. On second thought I’ll not permit you to pay me money. Nor will I permit your father to pay for your misdeeds. You boys must work out your punishment. It will be no easy job. I intend that before you finish it you shall appreciate the sacredness of the rights that people have in their own property.”
Again, for a minute, he was silent while the two boys stood apprehensively awaiting his decision. Then he turned again suddenly to Hal.