was a man
that knew me and, being close pressed, planned to divert suspicion."

Save that of the stranger, there was no sleep at the little house
in Brier Dale that night. But, oddly, for Mary and Theron Allen it
became a night of dear and lasting memories of their son. He sat
long with them under the pine trees, and for the first time they
saw and felt his strength and were as children before it.

"It's all a school," said he, calmly. "An' I'm just beginning to
study the Book of Trouble. It's full of rather tough problems, but
I'm not going to flunk or fail in it."

XXV

The Spider Snares

Trove and Spinnel were in Hillsborough soon after sunrise the
morning of that memorable day. The young man rapped loudly on the
broad door at the Sign of the Dial, but within all was silent. The
day before Darrel had spoken of going off to the river towns, and
must have started. A lonely feeling came into the boy's heart as
he turned away. He went promptly to the house of the district
attorney and told all he knew of the money that he had put in the
bank. He recounted all that took place the afternoon of his stay
at Robin's Inn--the battles of the cocks, and the spider, and how
the wounded fowl had probably sprinkled his sleeve with blood. In
half an hour, news of the young man's trouble had gone to every
house in the village. Soon a score of his schoolmates and half the
faculty were at his side--there in the room of the justice. Theron
Allen arrived at nine o'clock, although at that hour two
responsible men had already given a bail-bond. After dinner,
Trove, a constable, and the attorney rode to Robin's Inn. The news
had arrived before them, but only the two boys and Tunk were at
home. The latter stood in front of the stable, looking earnestly
up the road.

"Hello," said he, gazing curiously at horse and men as they came up
to the door. He seemed to be eyeing the attorney with hopeful
anticipation.

"Tunk," said Trove, cheerfully, "you have a mournful eye."

Tunk advanced slowly, still gazing, both hands deep in his trousers
pockets.

"Ez Tower just went by," said he, with suppressed feeling. "Said
you was arrested fer murder."

"I presume you were surprised."

"Wal," said he, "Ez ain't said a word before in six months."

Tunk opened the horse's mouth and stood a moment, peering
thoughtfully at his teeth.

"Kind of unexpected to be spoke to by Ez Tower," he added, turning
his eyes upon them