“I believe the boy’s right,” declared a middle-aged man in the throng.
“What do you know about it?” asked Mr. Sandow roughly.
“I was walking right behind this old gentleman,” was the reply, and the man indicated the physician. “I saw his pocketbook partly out of his pocket, and I was just going to tell him to look out for it, when he turned into the book store. Then I thought if it fell out he would hear it drop, and pick it up, and I passed on. When I saw the crowd collecting I turned back.”
“Ah, I told you this boy was not a thief!” exclaimed Dr. Spidderkins.
“You don’t know whether he is or not,” muttered Barton Sandow.
“Do you want to make a charge?” asked the policeman, turning to the aged physician.
“Indeed I do not, officer. I know this boy to be honest. He used to bring me books from Mr. Townsend’s store, and I am a good judge of character.”
“All right,” agreed the bluecoat. “You’re the person most interested, and you ought to know what you want to do. Now then, move on, you people,” he said to the crowd which was growing larger. “It’s all over. No arrest is going to be made.”
“I’m much obliged to you, sir,” said Tom to the man who had testified in his favor. “And to you, Dr. Spidderkins, for believing in me.”
“Oh, that’s all right,” answered the middle-aged man. “I’m glad I could do you a good turn.”