A man on probation for intemperance, broke it and deserted. On
account of the children's keen feeling about the consequent
disgrace, the wife made no move until urged thereto by the social
worker interested. Her husband was then arrested in a nearby city
and brought back, much surprised at the firm stand his wife had
taken. He was sentenced to four months, served two, and was released
on parole. Since his return he has not been drinking and has been
contributing satisfactorily toward the support of his family.

* * * * *

The first step taken by Harvey Brand when released from the
workhouse after a short prison sentence, was to stop in at a
furniture store and order a green plush parlor "suit" on the
instalment plan. Harvey had never been conspicuously interested in
his home before, and the district secretary and her committee were
aghast at this new evidence of his irresponsibility. The green plush
was, however, the outward sign of an inner burgeoning, and it warmed
the heart of Mrs. Harvey as nothing else could have done. From that
time, Harvey, with judicious encouragement over a few hard spots,
has become a good family man and a regular provider.

The particular problem involved in the treatment of the family during
the trial and imprisonment of the deserter is that of encouraging the
woman to stick to her guns. If she withdraws her complaint or secures
his release before his time is up, she not only convinces him of her
lack of firmness but the entry in the court record seriously prejudices
her case should she make complaint there again. Unless the social worker
is convinced, therefore, that the sentence has been unduly severe, the