CHAPTER XX. HECTOR GAINS A VICTORY.
There were two persons on whom Ben Platt’s declaration made a profound impression. These were Jim Smith and his uncle, the learned Socrates. The latter was surprised, for he was fully persuaded that the charge he had made was a true one, and Hector was a thief. As for Jim, his surprise was of a very disagreeable nature. Knowing as he did that, he himself had taken the money, he was alarmed lest his offense was to be made known, and that the pit which he had digged for another should prove to be provided for himself.
Socrates was the first to speak after taking time to recover himself from his surprise.
“This is a very extraordinary statement, Platt,” he said. “You say you can prove Roscoe’s innocence?”
“Yes, sir,” answered Platt, firmly.
“I wish no trifling here, sir,” said the principal, sharply. “I myself found the wallet in Roscoe’s pocket.”
“Yes, sir,” answered Ben Platt, “I know it was there.”
“You knew it was there!” repeated Socrates. “How did you know it was there?”
“Because I saw it put in.”