About the middle of the afternoon Luke made his appearance in the village street. Though I hope my readers will not suspect him of being a dude, he certainly did enjoy the consciousness of being well dressed. He hoped he should meet Randolph, anticipating the surprise and disappointment of the latter at the evidence of his prosperity.
When Luke was arrested, Randolph rejoiced as only a mean and spiteful boy would be capable of doing at the humiliation and anticipated disgrace of a boy whom he disliked. He had indulged in more than one expression of triumph, and sought every opportunity of discussing the subject, to the disgust of all fair-minded persons. Even Sam Noble protested, though a toady of Randolph.
"Look here, Randolph," he said, "I don't like Luke overmuch, and I know he doesn't like me, but I don't believe he's a thief, and I am sorry he is in trouble."
"Then you are no friend of mine," said Randolph, looking black.
"Oh, I say, Randolph, you know better than that. Haven't I always stood up for you, and done whatever you wanted me to?"
"If you were my friend you wouldn't stand up for Luke."
"I am not a friend of his, and I am a friend of yours, but I don't want him to go to prison."
"I do, if he deserves it."
"I don't believe he does deserve it."
"That is what I complain of in you."