There was a scramble on the part of the crowd to get good seats, and Constable Wolff led Dan in. As the boy was arraigned before the Squire, Constable Walker came in, followed by Mr. Harrison. Dan’s heart leaped, and his courage came back as he saw his sturdy friend, the village blacksmith.
“We will now proceed with the hearing,” announced the justice. “Order in the court!”
“LET THE PRISONER STAND UP,” SAID THE JUSTICE.—Page [115].
CHAPTER XIV
THE TRIAL
Several minutes passed before the crowd settled down. There was not room for all to sit, and many stood up in the back part of the room.
The two constables, placing Dan between them, took seats near the Squire’s desk. Judge Perkfell put on his glasses and selected a book from the pile in front of him. He took the first one he came to, and opened it at random. This was only done to impress the onlookers.
“Ahem! Let the prisoner stand up,” called the justice.
Dan arose.
“Ahem! That will do, be seated.”