A FRESH START.
The police-court proceedings created a great sensation at the Deanery, and were canvassed with characteristic schoolboy freedom. Dick, of course, received much praise; and on his arrival, just before opening time, he was surrounded by an admiring group. However, he bore his blushing honours meekly, remarking that he had done nothing in particular.
"Your being there was a lucky thing for Jim Hartland, though," observed Alec Macdonald.
"A good many people think there's more in it than came out!" sneered Simpson. "I shouldn't like to be caught with a marked sixpence in my pocket!"
"You're just a cad!" cried Dick hotly, "and no one cares a brass button what you say. As to Hartland, he showed more grit in five minutes than you'd show in five centuries."
"How's that?" cried several boys eagerly.
"That's part of what Simpson says didn't come out. Of course you know old Broad found the sixpence on him. Well, he's a good sort, though at first he did think Jim guilty. 'Look here, Hartland,' said he; 'you'd better own up. You're certain to be sent to prison, because, even if you're innocent, you can't prove it.' Well, what did Jim answer?"
"He wasn't likely to give the show away, anyhow!" said Simpson.
"Broad didn't ask him to. 'Just admit you stole the money, and you'll hear no more of it,' said he. 'I'll hush it up, and no one will be any the wiser.'"
"That was handsome," remarked several of the boys.