"Why am I a trump?" asked Johnny, astonished.
"Because your testimony will clear me. The deacon charges me with shooting the cow, and wants me to pay forty-five dollars."
"Gosh!" exclaimed Johnny. "But what makes him think you shot old Whitey?"
Mark briefly explained.
"But," said Mrs. Manning, "surely James Collins would not permit you to suffer for his fault?"
"You don't know James, mother. That's just what he would do, I feel sure. What do you say, Johnny?"
"Jim Collins is just mean enough to do it," answered John.
"He can't do it now, however. Mr. Collins is abundantly able to pay for the cow, and I guess he'll have to."
"I don't know how we could ever have paid so large a sum," said the widow.
"We shan't have to, mother, that's one comfort."