“I may add, for the information of those present,” went on the justice, who was not going to miss a chance to make a speech, “that the papers I have examined show that Mr. Harrison has been left considerable property, including some real estate, which is necessary for a bondsman to have. This property, it appears, comes from a distant relative, and I should say, from the statement of the lawyers, that it was worth at least ten thousand dollars.”
“Fully that,” replied the blacksmith quietly. “It was an unexpected legacy for me, and I never was more surprised in my life than when I got it. It came from a distant cousin, all of whose relatives, save myself, had died. I am glad it came when it did, for it enables me to do my friend Dan a service.”
The bond was soon made out and the blacksmith signed it.
“Now, Dan,” he said, “you are at liberty. I hope you’ll not run away, since I have gone on your bond.”
“Indeed I will not, Mr. Harrison. I’m going to stay right around here, and see if I can’t discover the burglars. May I go now?” he asked of the justice.
“Yes. You are now under bail for the Grand Jury’s action. They may indict you, and they may not.”
“Then he ain’t got t’ go t’ jail?” asked Peter Savage, and he seemed a little disappointed.
“No,” replied Squire Perkfell.
“Then ye’d better come back t’ th’ farm with me, Dan,” exclaimed his employer. “Ye’ve lost enough time as ’tis. It’s past dinner time, an’ there’s lots of chores t’ be done. Come along, step lively!”
Dan made a sudden resolution.