"I know you got off somehow."
"I got off because I was innocent. I was as innocent as you were."
"Do you mean to insult me, boy?" asked the lady sharply.
"No, madam. I only say that I was innocent. It was shown that a man then in the store took the wallet. He was arrested, and I was released."
"Very likely he was a confederate of yours."
"If he had been he would have said so."
"At any rate, circumstances were very suspicious. Were you thinking of hiring this boy, William?"
"Yes, I liked his looks," answered the shopkeeper.
"Then be guided by me, and don't hire him."
"Why not? The charge seems to have been false."