they did. They were then asked if they remembered when Riot
had it in his possession.

"He had it," said Frisk, "the day before yesterday, and split a top of
mine with it."

"Yes," said Loiter, "and then as he was making a stroke at mine the
peg flew out."

"What did he do with it?"

"He put it into his pocket, and said as it was a strong top he would
have it mended."

"Then he did not throw it away, or give it to any one?"

"Yes; a day or two before he went to the Widow Careful's shop for some
gingerbread; but as he already owed her sixpence, she would not let
him have any till he had paid his debts."

"How did he take the disappointment?"

"He said he would be revenged on her."

"Are you sure he used such words?"

"Yes. Loiter heard him as well as myself."

"I did, sir," said Loiter.

"Do either of you know any more of this affair?"

"No, sir," replied both boys together.

"You may go," said the President, adding "that these witnesses had
done a good deal in establishing proof against Riot; for it was pretty
certain that no one but himself could have been in possession of the
top at the time the crime was committed, and it also appeared that he
had declared a malicious intention against the woman, which it was
highly probable he would put into execution. As the court were
debating about the next step to be taken they were acquainted that
Jack, the widow's son, was waiting at the school-door for admission;
and a person being sent out for him, Riot was found threatening the
boy, and bidding him go home about his business. The boy, however, was
conveyed safely into the room, when he thus addressed himself to the
President:

"Sir, and please your worship," said Jack, "as I was looking about
this morning for sticks in the hedge over against our house, I found
this buckle. So I thought to myself, 'Sure this must belong to the
rascal that broke our window.' So I have brought it to see if any one
in the school would own it."

"On which side of the hedge did you find it?"

"On the other side from our house, in the close."

"Let us see it Gentlemen," said the President, "this is so smart a
buckle that I am sure I remember it at once, and I dare say you all
do."

"It is Riot's!" exclaimed all together.

"Has anybody observed Riot's shoes to-day?" the President asked.

"Yes; he has got them tied with strings," a boy replied.

"Very well, then, gentlemen, we have nothing more to do than to draw
up t