The case excited so much interest that the court room was filled to overflowing. Among those present was Matthew's father, who wished to know the facts about his son's connection with the robbery. Dr. Dutton, Mr. Farrington, and Fred Worthington were also present. Yes, another was there—little Carl, pale and thin from his sickness, but alive with interest in what he expected to be Fred's great triumph.
When the court was ready for the trial, Mr. Ham, on the part of the prosecution, called Tim Short as the first witness, much to the surprise of Jacob Simmons and his lawyer.
"Do you know anything about John Rexford's store being robbed and burned?" asked Mr. Ham of Tim.
"I do," said the latter.
"Tell us all you know about it."
Tim hesitated a moment, hardly knowing how to commence the confession of such a serious crime.
"Did you have any direct connection with it?" asked attorney Ham, by way of assisting the boy.
"Yes, sir," answered Tim.
"What did you do?"
"I helped rob the store, and then we set fire to it."