d Philip, with satisfaction. "I'll go along with
you."

"Do so, my son."

As it was not yet time to go to the office of the justice, Philip
stepped out into the yard, where Tom Calder, the stable boy, was washing
a carriage.

"I guess I'll tell him the news," thought Philip. "Tom," he said, "we've
discovered who stole the bonds the other night."

"Have you?" asked Tom, with a queer smile.

"Yes. Would you like to know who it is?"

"Uncommon."

"It's Harry Gilbert."

Tom Calder pursed up his lips in genuine amazement, and emitted a shrill
whistle.

"You don't say!" he exclaimed.

"Yes," said Philip, complacently. "The governor had the house
searched--Widow Gilbert's, of course--and he found the bonds there."

"That beats all I ever heard!" ejaculated Tom.

"Oh, it doesn't surprise me at all!" said Philip, carelessly. "I've long
suspected Harry Gilbert of being dishonest."

"I don't believe it, for my part," said Tom, manfully standing by a boy
who, on more than one occasion, had done him a favor. "Harry Gilbert is
as honest a boy as there is in town."

"Your opinion isn't of much importance," said Philip, in a tone of
superiority, "and it won't save the Gilbert boy from going to State's
prison."

"Do you mean to say the one who took the bonds will have to go to
State's prison?"

"Yes; that's what father says, and he knows a good deal about the law."

"Maybe he'll change his mind," said Tom Calder, in a peculiar tone.
"When is the trial coming off?"

"This morning, at nine o'clock, at the office of Squire Davis."

Tom nodded his head thoughtfully, but only said:

"Are you going to be there?"

"Yes."

"What time is it now?"

"Quarter past eight."

"Somebody else will be there," said Tom to himself; and Philip left him
and went back into the house.

CHAPTER XLI

HARRY MANAGES HIS OWN CASE

Trial Justice Davis sat in his office. He was a man of sixty, with a
keen but not unbenevolent face, looking all the more sagacious, perhaps,
because of a pair of gold spectacles which surmounted his nose. He had
been apprised of the trial at which he was expected to preside, and he
looked surprised and regretful.

"I can't believe that boy is guilty," he said to himself. "I have always
looked upon him as one of the best boys in town."

At nine, the principal parties concerned entered the office. First,
Colonel Ross and Philip walked in--Philip with an atte