“Quarter past eight.”
“Somebody else will be there,” said Tom to himself; and Philip left him and went back into the house.
CHAPTER XLI — HARRY MANAGES HIS OWN CASE
Trial Justice Davis sat in his office. He was a man of sixty, with a keen but not unbenevolent face, looking all the more sagacious, perhaps, because of a pair of gold spectacles which surmounted his nose. He had been apprised of the trial at which he was expected to preside, and he looked surprised and regretful.
“I can’t believe that boy is guilty,” he said to himself. “I have always looked upon him as one of the best boys in town.”
At nine, the principal parties concerned entered the office. First, Colonel Ross and Philip walked in—Philip with an attempt to be at ease, but with a perceptibly nervous air, notwithstanding.
Harry Gilbert entered, walking beside the constable. Behind him followed his mother and Uncle Obed. Mrs. Gilbert looked anxious, though the constable assured her that there was no need of it, and that Harry would be triumphantly acquitted. Harry did not look in the least frightened, but seemed much more at ease than Philip.
A trial before a police justice in a country town is much more informal than in a city, and this should be remembered by those who read this chapter.
“What charge do you bring against Harry Gilbert, Colonel?” asked the justice.