They had been engaging legal talent in Oakvale to look up the law and ascertain whether the mayor had not overstepped his authority when he ordered certain resorts closed where young fellows had been in the habit of congregating to play pool. Although no actual proof had as yet been produced, it was widely understood that other games far less innocent had also been played there, and that indeed liquor could be procured on the premises by those who “knew the ropes.”
But there were other lawyers on the side of the mayor, backed by the women and the reform element. They made certain that things were kept within the bounds granted by the law. Then the town Council, now wholly committed to the new order of things, announced themselves ready to pass any additional law necessary to continue things as they were.
A week later and Hugh began to breathe easier. He felt that matters had advanced so far that they could plume themselves on making the movement a success. He was every day hoping to hear that the elements they had cause to fear were commencing to leave town. As long as they continued to abide in Oakvale the danger was that of a snake “scotched, not killed,” and liable to come to life again at any time.
All this while he had not found a good chance to keep his promise to Tom Sherwood, mostly on account of the press of business. With so many things depending on him while acting in the place of Lieutenant Denmead, still absent from home, as well as his studying for the spring examinations, Hugh certainly had his hands full.
But whenever he happened to meet Tom, and saw that look of entreaty on the other’s face, Hugh took himself to task for not finding time to enter upon the little side campaign for the redemption of Benjy Sherwood.
So far as he knew, the latter did not seem to be in the company of the Norris boy on the various occasions when Hugh had noticed the latter on the street. That was no reason, however, that Benjy did not seek his society at other times, and perhaps visit at Park’s house, where possibly cards were not prohibited as a source of boyish amusement.
“I’m going to start something doing in that direction by to-morrow,” Hugh was telling himself as he walked toward home one afternoon, after making a report to the Chief and receiving the usual congratulations on his proficiency.
It was the sight of Benjy across the way that caused him to say that, for the other had come out of the store where all sorts of games, from baseball goods and skates down to playing cards, were for sale and exhibited in the windows.
It seemed to Hugh, although he admitted that perhaps his imagination made him think so, that Benjy Sherwood glanced to the right and left as he came out, as a fellow might who was trying to hide something, or else felt conscience stricken. He noticed that the other was also trying to keep a package he carried close to his body as he walked on.
Suddenly Hugh saw Benjy turn and hurry down a side street, almost running, in fact. He hardly knew what to make of this until, chancing to look further along, he discovered Tom Sherwood in sight. It hardly seemed likely that the other had noticed his younger brother’s very suspicious action in wanting to elude him.