Part 33 (1/2)
”Yes. He is a good boy.”
”The case seems a clear one. The prisoner is discharged from custody.
Arrest Micky Maguire on the same charge as early as possible.”
The next case was called, and d.i.c.k was free.
Mr. Murdock came forward, and took him by the hand, which he shook heartily.
”I congratulate you on your acquittal,” he said.
”I feel a little better than I did,” said d.i.c.k. ”Tim, you're a good fellow,” he said, clasping Tim's hand. ”I wouldn't have got off, if it hadn't been for you.”
”I ought to do that much for you, d.i.c.k, when you've been so kind to me.”
”How are you getting along now, Tim?”
”Pretty well. Mother's got so she can work and we're doin' well. When she was sick, it was pretty hard.”
”Here's something to help you along,” said d.i.c.k, and he drew a bill from his pocket.
”Five dollars!” said Tim, in surprise.
”You can buy some new clothes, Tim.”
”I ought not to take so much as that, d.i.c.k.”
”It's all right, Tim. There's some more where that comes from.”
They were in Centre Street by this time. Fosd.i.c.k came up hurriedly.
”Have you got off, d.i.c.k?” he asked, eagerly.
”Yes, Fosd.i.c.k. There's no chance of my being entertained at the expense of the city.”
”I didn't expect the trial was coming off so early. Tell me all about it.”
”What did they say at the house at my being away?” asked d.i.c.k.
”Miss Peyton inquired particularly after you. I said, as you directed me, that you were detained by important business.”
”What did she say then?”
d.i.c.k was so particular in his inquiries, fearing lest any suspicion should have been formed of the real cause which had detained him. There was no reason for it; but it had always been a matter of pride with him in his vagabond days that he had never been arrested on any charge, and it troubled him that he should even have been suspected of theft.
”You are fis.h.i.+ng for compliments, d.i.c.k,” said Fosd.i.c.k.
”How do you make that out?”
”You want to know what Miss Peyton said. I believe you are getting interested in her.”
”When I am, just send me to a lunatic asylum,” said d.i.c.k.