The old man started.
"I did not catch the name before," he said. "Surely you are not Allen Allston from Boomville?"
"I am."
"The noble young fellow who saved the life of my grandchild?"
"Is Mayor Anderson's little girl your granddaughter, sir?" asked Al, a little embarrassed.
"Of course she is. My boy, I beg your pardon."
And the old man grasped Al's hand and shook it warmly, adding:
"The youth who performed such a heroic act could not be guilty of such a crime as that of which you are accused. Bullfinch"—turning fiercely upon the deputy—"you are a fool!"
"Sir——"
"What put it into your head that he could have had any malicious intent in writing that advertisement?"