MR. SMEETH IS WORRIED 471

You cau tell me that, I suppose?'*

She gave him precise directions, and ten minutes later
he was there, confronting a queer George in greasy over-
alls, who was doing something incomprehensible to the
inside of a car. He was probably astonished to see his
father, but he only raised his eyebrows and grinned.
George had ceased for some time to show any signs of
surprise.

Telling himself that this was his son, who had been a
child only yesterday, Mr. Smeeth looked sternly at him,
and summoning all the forces of parental authority, he
said curtly; "Just clean yourself up and get your hat
and coat on, George."

"What d'you mean, Dad? What's up? Anything
wrong at home?"

"No, there isn't, but just do what I tell you."

"Well, I don't understand."

"Oh, come outside if you're going to argue about it,0
said Mr. Smeeth impatiently, and led the way out into
the street. "It's the police court business. I've just
heard all about it."

"Oh—I see," said George slowly.

"I'm glad you do see. I'd like to have seen a bit
earlier," said his father bitterly. "Why didn't you tell
me? Have to have a police sergeant telling me what's
happening to my own son!"

"Well, you needn't go at me, Dad. I've done nothing,
and they'll tell you I haven't,"

"I know all about that. And you're not going to do
anything either. That's why I came round. You're
finishing here now, George* I was warned not to let you
stop on-though I didn't need any warning. I'm not
going to have you mixed up with this sort of business.