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 assembled 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 noble 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.

"Time you were off, boys," said Uncle Ben.

"Take your places," continued Frank.

The members of the club seemed to feel that they were not going on a
pleasure excursion, and there was hardly a smile to be seen on their
faces. They were quiet, and very orderly, and moved slowly and with a
good deal of dignity into the boat.

The Zephyr backed out of her berth, and the oars fell into the water.

"Give way," said Frank, as he laid the course of the boat