A Child in Judgment

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Henry Halstrom, man of wealth, is struck by the beauty of Mary, John Desmond's wife. John, who is in Halstrom's employ, although unable to afford the luxuries of life, is very happily married with Mary and the lives of the two are bound up in the love for Jackie, their little son. Halstrom, accustomed to possess all he desires, decides that Mary shall be his. He sends John to Chicago on a lengthy mission of business. Then, playing on her weakness, appealing to her vanity, offering her all the luxuries and fineries of life, which she has ever craved and been unable to possess; he gradually wins her over to him. Mrs. Barnes, her mother, alarmed at her behavior and the sudden appearance of her wonderful gowns, telegraphs to John to return home immediately. In despair, Mary writes Halstrom of her mother's act. He sends her a note, telling her that she may make her home with him. Fearing John's wrath, Mary goes to Halstrom, carelessly leaving his note behind at her home. Halstrom, anxious to avoid John's knowledge of the truth, hastens to Mary's house to get the note before John's arrival. Little Jackie is playing with his teddy bear. Teddy has been naughty, and Jackie decides to punish him. He tip-toes to the writing desk and gets papa's revolver. Unconscious of the deadliness of the weapon, innocent little babe, he aims at teddy bear and pulls the trigger. Halstrom has been spying through the window to make sure of a clear road before coming into the house for his letter. The bullet speeds on and plunges through his brain. John return home. "I have been thoughtless but not wicked," pleads Mary, and for little Jackie's sake and the wholesome love they once knew he leads her back home. The verdict of God has been passed by a child in judgment.