There was quite a crowd gathered near the entrance to the building, for it was generally known that Bert was to be tried for the theft that morning. Some of those composing it—in fact most—were Bert's friends; but there were a few who delighted in scandal and looked forward with eagerness to hearing the details, and did not care much how Bert might be affected by it.
The surprise was general when Bert approached, apparently in friendly converse with Percy Marlowe, a boy whose want of cordial feeling toward him was generally known. The occasion was a trial for Bert, but Percy's unexpected friendliness sustained him, though he had not got over his surprise at it.
All parties entered the court-room, and presently Squire Marlowe himself appeared. He walked with dignity to the platform, and took his seat behind the desk over which justice was dispensed.
"Who is the complainant in this case?" he asked.
"I am, squire," said Mr. Jones, advancing eagerly.
"State your case."
"I charge this boy—Bert Barton—with stealing a twenty-dollar bill from my desk last evening."
"Have you counsel?"
"No, squire. The case is plain, and I can manage it myself."
"I represent the defendant," said the young lawyer Conway.