“Um,” said the court, feeling that Sebastian’s attitude remained sullen and contentious. “Well, this young man might be let off on the coal-stealing charge, but he seems to be somewhat too free with his fists. Columbus is altogether too rich in that sort of thing. Ten dollars.”
“If you please,” began Gerhardt, but the court officer was already pushing him away.
“I don’t want to hear any more about it,” said the judge. “He’s stubborn, anyhow. What’s the next case?”
Gerhardt made his way over to his boy, abashed and yet very glad it was no worse. Somehow, he thought, he could raise the money. Sebastian looked at him solicitously as he came forward.
“It’s all right,” said Bass soothingly. “He didn’t give me half a chance to say anything.”
“I’m only glad it wasn’t more,” said Gerhardt nervously. “We will try and get the money.”
Going home to his wife, Gerhardt informed the troubled household of the result. Mrs. Gerhardt stood white and yet relieved, for ten dollars seemed something that might be had. Jennie heard the whole story with open mouth and wide eyes. It was a terrible blow to her. Poor Bass! He was always so lively and good-natured. It seemed awful that he should be in jail.
Gerhardt went hurriedly to Hammond’s fine residence, but he was not in the city. He thought then of a lawyer by the name of Jenkins, whom he knew in a casual way, but Jenkins was not at his office. There were several grocers and coal merchants whom he knew well enough, but he owed them money. Pastor Wundt might let him have it, but the agony such a disclosure to that worthy would entail held him back. He did call on one or two acquaintances, but these, surprised at the unusual and peculiar request, excused themselves. At four o’clock he returned home, weary and exhausted.
“I don’t know what to do,” he said despairingly. “If I could only think.”
Jennie thought of Brander, but the situation had not accentuated her desperation to the point where she could brave her father’s opposition and his terrible insult to the Senator, so keenly remembered, to go and ask. Her watch had been pawned a second time, and she had no other means of obtaining money.