Gordon: For years I have associated with men of this kind for the purpose of trying to understand the criminal instinct. Judge Dykeman: Keeping bad company, as it were. Gordon: Exactly that! Just what I’ve been doing! Father Creedon: The end justifies the means, _in this case_. Travesty: Been slumming in the interest of justice, have you? Gordon: I have been trying to get at the truth. Travesty: Worked yourself up into a state of mind in which you are in sympathy with these felons? Gordon: Yes, I do sympathize with them! I realize the hopelessness of their lives and that they must move in the line of the least resistance! Travesty: Well, you’ve wasted your time. Gordon (earnestly): No, Mr. Travesty; think of the tremendous importance of any explanation in that direction. Isn’t it worth while to have gone into the underworld and to have talked with men who have been through criminal experiences? There lies the secret of it all--in their point of view. Judge Dykeman: But what makes you think there is some secret cause of crime? Gordon: There must be some universal law--some influence that sways--something that binds them all together! Judge Dykeman: Father Creedon, you who are learned in the deep law of spiritual things, tell us your opinion--judge this matter for us. Father Creedon (softly): I think in pictures. To me it is as if a mariner lost upon some unknown sea; I sailed my ship astray--bewildered--lost. A sail appears! Answers my signal of distress--heaves to--gives me my bearings and then passes on. Hail and Farewell! That’s all--but what it means to me! (to Gordon): You’ve put me on my course! A new day comes. You were the light illuminating all the East before Dawn! I want to see the splendid noonday when your answer comes. “Interested?” I want to see these men--I want to hear the evidence and the defense--I want to know that they are fairly treated. Judge Dykeman (going towards door): Reverse your decision; come and sit with me. I want your help. Father Creedon (crossing himself): _I_ cannot give you help, but there is One who can. (The Judge and Father Creedon about to exit. Creedon stops and comes back.) Father Creedon (to Gordon): My son I bless you ere I go. (as if blessing Gordon): Be strong: Let nothing hinder you. I know that He will send His kindly light amid the encircling gloom--to lead you on. EVENTS IN BRIEF. [Under this heading will appear each month numerous paragraphs of general interest, relating to the prison field and the treatment of the delinquent.]