gh I had a poor
opinion of him."

"Suppose that you can't prove that you are innocent, Herbert?" said Mrs.
Carr, anxiously.

"It is for him to prove that I am guilty, mother," answered Herbert, who
knew this much of law.

At a quarter of two Constable Bruce and Mr. Melville walked to the house
together.

The door was opened for them by Herbert himself.

"So you haven't taken leg bail, Herbert," said the constable, jocosely.

"No, Mr. Bruce, I am on hand; I am in a hurry to meet Mr. Eben Graham
and see whether he can look me in the face after his shameful behavior."

"Oh, Mr. Bruce, I never thought you would call at my home on such an
errand," said Mrs. Carr, on the point of breaking down.

"Don't worry, Mrs. Carr," said the constable; "anybody may be charged
with theft, however innocent. Your son has good friends who won't see
him treated with injustice."

Herbert's mother was desirous of accompanying them to the office of the
justice, but was persuaded to remain behind. Herbert knew that in her
indignation she would not be able to be silent when she saw Eben Graham.

Justice Slocum was an elderly man, with a mild face and gray hair. When
Herbert entered he greeted him in a friendly way.

"I am sorry to see you here, my boy," he said, "but I am sure there is
some mistake. I have known you ever since you were a baby, and I don't
believe you are guilty of theft now."

"I submit, Judge Slocum," said Eben Graham, who sat in a corner, his
mean features looking meaner and more insignificant than usual, "I
submit that you are prejudging the case."

"Silence, sir!" said Judge Slocum, warmly. "How dare you impugn my
conduct? Though Herbert were my own son, I would give you a chance to
prove him guilty."

"I hope you'll excuse me, judge," said Eben, cringing. "I am as sorry as
you are to believe the boy guilty of stealing."

"Do your worst and say your worst, Eben Graham!" said Herbert,
contemptuously, "but be very careful that you do not swear falsely."

"I don't need any instructions from you, Herbert Carr, considering that
you are a criminal on trial," said Eben, maliciously.

"You are mistaken, sir," said George Melville. "To be under arrest does
not make a man or boy a criminal."

"I am sure I am much obliged for the information, Mr. Melville," said
Eben, spitefully. "You've chosen a nice companion."

"There you are right," said Melville, gravely. "I have done much better
than if I had hired you."