And so the night train to Springfield carried ten men from Shannondale, nine of whom were going to stand by Harold, while the tenth, hardly knew why he was going or what he believed. Arrived in the city, their first inquiry was for Harold, who, instead of being in the charge of an officer as they had feared, was quietly sleeping in his room at the hotel, while Judge St. Claire had the diamonds in his possession.
CHAPTER XLII.
HAROLD AND THE DIAMONDS.
WHEN Harold sprang upon the train as it was moving from the station and entered the rear car, he found Billy and Peterkin near the door, the latter button-holing Judge St. Claire, to whom he was talking loudly and angrily of Wilson, who had brought the suit against him.
"Yes, yes, I see; I know; but all that will come out on the trial," the judge said, trying to silence him.
But Peterkin held on, until his eye caught Harold, when he at once let the judge go, and seating himself by the young man, began in a soft, coaxing tone for him:
"I don't see why in thunder you are goin' agin me, who have allus been your friend, and gin you work when you couldn't git it any wheres else; and I can't imagine what you're goin' to say, or what you know."
Harold's face was very red, but his manner was respectful as he replied:
"You cannot be more sorry than I am that I am subpœnaed as a witness against you. I did not seek it. I could not help it; but, being a witness, I must answer the questions truthfully."