FOR AND AGAINST
All in the barn gazed in amazement at the three rings which the constable of White Corners held in his hand.
"I don't know how those rings got into my coat," said Dick, who was the first to recover from the shock.
"I am certain Dick didn't steal them," put in Tom.
"And so am I," added Sam. "Dick, this is a plot against you."
"It ain't no plot—it's plain facts," came from Aaron Fairchild. "Go on an' continue the search, Josiah."
"That's what I'm a-doin'," returned the constable.
He felt the coat over carefully and presently brought forth another ring and a pair of child's bracelets.
"It's as plain as preachin'!" came from the third man, a farmer named
Gassam. "He's the thief, sure."
"I declare upon my honor I am innocent," cried Dick, the hot blood rushing to his face. He turned to Captain Putnam. "You don't think I—I—"