Part 37 (2/2)

”I didn't steal the wallet,” cried Tim l.u.s.tily, as he struggled to get away.

”You must come with me,” replied the constable, holding him fast.

[Ill.u.s.tration: You must come with Me. _P._ 279.]

Tim's father and mother came to the door, as Mr. Headley marched him off. They asked the officer what he was doing with their son. Without stopping to give any details, he told them the boy was wanted for stealing Farmer Whipple's wallet.

CHAPTER XIX

THE TRIAL OF TONY

Joe Braman was arrested on the same day, and committed to the Rippleton jail. It was understood that suspicions were fastened upon him, though the precise nature of the testimony against him had not yet been made public. His examination, as well as that of Tim Bunker, was postponed until after the trial of Tony, which had been appointed, in consideration of the circ.u.mstances, for the following day.

Captain Sedley had been very active in obtaining evidence, but he was so cautious that the people of Rippleton did not ascertain what he was doing.

The morning of the trial came. The members of the boat club were all anxious to attend; and Captain Sedley had consented that they should go to the village in the Zephyr, taking Uncle Ben with them as boat-keeper.

At nine o'clock the club had all a.s.sembled in the boat-house, and had put on their uniform.

”Keep your spirits up, Tony,” said Fred. ”It will all come out right.”

”I hope so,” replied Tony rather sadly. ”I am innocent, and all I ask is justice.”

”My father is very sure you will be cleared,” added Frank; ”but whether you are or not, we are all very certain of your innocence.”

”Thank you; you have been very kind to me and my mother,” answered Tony, the tears gathering in his eyes as he spoke. ”I heard last evening what you did the night before the Fourth of July.”

”Never mind that, Tony; we all like you. You are a n.o.ble fellow;” and Frank grasped the hand of his friend.

”I don't know as I ought to wear this uniform to-day,” continued Tony, trying to smile through his tears.

”Why not, Tony?”

”I don't want to disgrace the club.”

”Disgrace us, Tony! I am sure there is not a fellow in the club that does not feel honored by having you belong.”

”Think of your uniform on the back of a felon. If found guilty, I shall be sent to the House of Correction.”

”But you won't be, Tony. Tim and Joe Braman have been arrested, and you may be sure there has been some evidence found to fasten it upon them.”

”Perhaps so; at least, I am innocent, and I shall be just as innocent in the House of Correction as in the open air. But I don't want to disgrace the club.”

”I talked with father about the uniform last night. He thought we had better not wear it, because it would look so odd in the court-house; but I told him we wanted to wear it, so as to show that you were one of us.”

”You are very kind, Frank,” replied Tony, grasping his hand.

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