Haggard and with rebellious limbs, Police-constable Bennett staggered
into the superintendent's office in the early morning.
"I have paid careful attention to your advice," he said to the
superintendent, "and I have passed across the city in search of
crime. In its place I have found but folly--such folly as you have,
such folly as I have myself--the common heritage of our blood. It
seems that in some way I have bound myself to bring criminals to
justice. I have passed across the city, and I have found no man
worse than myself. Do what you will with me."
The superintendent cleared his throat.
"There have been too many complaints concerning the conduct of the
police," he said; "it is time that an example was made. You will be
charged with being drunk and disorderly while on duty."
"I have a wife and three little children," said Bennett softly--"and
three pretty little children." And he covered his tired face with his
hands.