"Escaped!" exclaimed the alderman hastily. "How is that?"
Here the policeman took up the story, and explained that Vincent had taken advantage of his double charge to effect his escape.
"I suppose, officer," said Mr. Waterbury, "that you were unwilling to leave Tom in order to pursue him."
"I did leave him, sir, and didn't expect to find him when I got back. But there he was, waiting for me as quietly as—anything."
"Didn't you feel tempted to escape, too, my boy?"
"Why should I, sir? I had done nothing; I had nothing to fear."
"Innocence is not always a protection, for justice is sometimes far from clear-sighted. In the present case, however, I think you will not suffer for your confidence."
Tom was not brought to trial. Mr. Waterbury's statement of what had passed on the voyage of the River Belle was held to be sufficient to establish Tom's innocence, and he was allowed to walk out with Mr. Waterbury.
"Have you anything to do this morning, Tom?" asked his friend.
"No, sir."