“Yes,” said Squire Slocum. “They are a couple of jewelers that were stopping at the Bayport Grand Hotel with some diamonds for several parties who are putting up there, or were to come. They left the diamonds at the bank for safe keeping. Mr. Webster says you saw Mr. Ditson with the stones.”
“If I did I don’t remember it,” I replied. “The janitor was very rude to me, and I soon went outside and stood by the gutter till Mr. Markham came out.”
“Mr. Webster told me you had a diamond in your possession.”
“I am willing to swear that I picked the stone up on the mill floor. It was dropped there either by Mr. Norton or Andy Carney, or else somebody that came in while I was asleep. I know that statement sounds rather queer, but it’s the plain truth.”
“You certainly stick to it,” commented the squire.
“I believe the young man,” said Mr. Markham. “And now, since I have caused him so much trouble, I think it my duty to see if I cannot help him. Can you let him out on bail?”
“I don’t know,” said Squire Slocum slowly. “We haven’t had a regular hearing yet.”
“If I’m let out I’ll be on hand whenever wanted,” I put in quickly.
“Suppose you see what can be done,” said Mr. Markham. “I will bear all the expense, Squire, and I guess I can convince you I am perfectly reliable, even if Webster won’t believe it.”