Up in Sing Sing when I had nothing else to do," concluded
Larry, "I tell you I thought a lot about that situation--for it
certainly is some situation: Joe Ellison for fifteen years in prison
with just one big idea in his life, the idea being the one thing he
felt he was really doing or ever could do, his very life built on that
one idea: that outside, somewhere, was his kid growing up into a fine
young person--never guessing it had such a father--and Joe never
intending to see it again and not being able to know it if he ever
should see it. I tell you, after learning Joe's story, it made me feel
that I'd had enough of the old life."
Again the Duchess spoke. "Did Joe ever mention its name?"
"No, he just spoke of it as 'his kid.'"
Larry was quiet a moment. "You see," he added, "I want to get settled
before Joe comes out--his time's up in a few months--so that I can
give him some sort of place near me. He's all right, Joe is; but he's
too old to have any show at a fresh start if he tries to make it all
on his own."
"Larry, you haven't got such a tough piece of old brass for a heart
yourself," commented Hunt. "What are your own plans?"
"I know I've got the makings of a real business man--I've already
told you that," said Larry confidently. He had thought this out
carefully during his days as a coal-passer and his long nights upon
the eighteen-inch bunk in his cell.
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