"To prison! O Amos!" exclaimed Frank with horror.
"You see you can do nothing for him now," suggested Mr. Greyson, "and you are detaining the officer from his duty."
Frank then ascertained to what place he would be conveyed, and having obtained a promise from his father to accompany him there, turned sorrowfully away.
The next day they visited the prison, and found Alfred sullen, and not disposed to converse. Mr. Greyson endeavored to draw from him an account of his former life. He appealed to him by his love for his mother to turn from his evil ways, and become an industrious, useful man.
But there was no answering sign. No tear dimmed his bloodshot eyes at the recollection of her who had given him birth. There seemed to be nothing to appeal to. The moral principle had all gone; and Frank, who had sat silently gazing at his companion, arose when his father ceased speaking, and turned away, hopeless of softening so hard a heart.
Nearly a year later, Mrs. Haven and her daughter were one evening seated in their pleasant parlor. The lady was sewing, while Ella read aloud, when they were suddenly startled by seeing a man's face pressed close up to the window.
The child screamed, but Mrs. Haven, with quiet presence of mind, bid her run and lock the doors, and call Hannah, a stout maid servant, from the kitchen.
It had always been Hannah's boast that she feared nothing; and now she delighted in this opportunity to show her courage.
Feeling protected by her presence, Mrs. Haven threw up the window, and asked the man what he wanted.
He made no reply, but stood with his insolent eyes fixed upon her face.