THE TRICKS OF FATE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20112, 24 November 1928, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE TRICKS OF FATE.

MAGISTRATE AND INEBRIATE.

" WE WERE BOYS TOGETHER." HUMANITY ON THE BENCH.; A touching scene occurred in a New York Court recently. A magistrate looked down at a figure in the dock, an inebriate, whose face bore evidence of 17 arrests for intoxication, and five termg in prison.

" Don't you know me 1" asked the magistrate.

" Yes, I know you, Harry, wo were boys together," said tho prisoner. " That's right, Tom. Wo were brought up in tho samo neighbourhood. Do you mind the day I chased a dog down Grand Street and fell into the pond, and you fished mo'out? You saved my life that day, Tom." " Aw, forget it," said tho prisoner uneasily. " And, Tom, do you remember, wo used to talk about what we were going to do in life? I was going to drive a

truck, and you wero going to be a jjreat lawyer." " Yes, that's how we llad it doped ojit, Harry."

" While I am'on the Bench," the magistrate continued, " You're not' going to gaol. Go out into the sunshine—you al ways loved it as a boy—and make a man of yourself, and any time you want help, come here; I'll give you a lift" Tiie magistrate leaned down from the Bench and held out his hand, "Good luck, Tom," ho said. The weather-beaten old truck-driver shuffled out through the courtroom. "Thanks,. Harry, thanks," ho said,.-turn-, ing at the door. Tho magistrate wiped his spectacles, and adjourned the Court for a quarter of an hour.