“I charge him with entering my house on the evening of the nineteenth instant, opening the small trunk in which I keep my valuable papers and securities, and abstracting therefrom two United States Government bonds, of the par value of a hundred dollars each.”
“You hear the charge, Harry,” said the justice. “Are you guilty or not guilty?”
“Not guilty,” answered Harry, in clear, ringing accents, surveying the Colonel proudly.
“You ought to have some one to defend you,” said the justice.
“I will defend myself,” said Harry, resolutely.
“Very well. Colonel Ross, I will hear your testimony.”
The Colonel, being sworn, testified that he had missed the bonds on the morning afterward, and had been led, by what his son told him, to suspect Harry Gilbert. He had gone to the cottage, and found the bonds. He was about to rehearse Philip’s information, but the justice stopped him, and said he would hear Philip in person.
“Have you any question to ask the witness?” asked the justice of Harry.
“Can I reserve my questions?” asked Harry.
“Yes; if you desire it.”