Part 37 (1/2)

”I have told the truth.”

”No, you haven't, Tim. Will you confess the crime, and save Tony?”

”No, I won't; I didn't do it.”

”Very well,” replied Captain Sedley, as he left the young reprobate.

Tim did not know what to make of it. Why Captain Sedley should lay it to him, he could not tell, unless it was on account of what he had said to Fred Harper about buying the Thunderbolt. He was uneasy, and spent the forenoon in wandering about the woods back of his father's house.

He felt as though something was going to happen, though he could not tell precisely what.

He had eaten no breakfast, and at noon he was driven home by hunger.

But he had scarcely seated himself at the dinner-table before a knock was heard at the door.

”Go to the door, Tim,” said his father.

”I don't want to go,” answered Tim, with a whine.

A kind of dread had taken possession of him since his interview with Captain Sedley in the morning, and every noise he heard seemed to foretell that something was about to occur.

”Go, this minute!” said his father sternly.

”Don't want to.”

”But you shall.”

Tim, finding there was no escape, rose, and went to the door. To his consternation he beheld Mr. Headley, the constable! He felt as though he should drop through the floor. His heart beat so violently that he could hardly stand up.

”I want you, Tim,” said Mr. Headley.

”Me!” gasped Tim.

”Get your cap, and come along.”

”What for?”

”I'll tell you when you get to the jail.”

Tim drew a long breath, and went back for his cap.

”Who is it, Tim?” asked his father.

But Tim made no reply, and instead of returning to the front door, he took his cap and sneaked out through the back room. The woods were close by, and the hope of escaping inspired him with new courage.

Throwing open the back door, he rushed out.

”So, so! my fine fellow!” exclaimed the constable, who stood before the door, and into whose arms he had thrown himself as he leaped down the doorsteps. ”This is your plan, is it? We'll give you the ruffles, then.”

So saying, Mr. Headley took a pair of handcuffs from his pocket, and fastened them upon Tim's wrists.