“That’s all, young man,” said the lawyer suddenly; and Spotty sank down with a breath of relief.
Then came a surprise as the lawyer said:
“The next witness for the defense will be William Piper. Piper, stand up.”
Sleuth rose to his feet, and there was a stir among those boys of the academy who had absented themselves from school to attend the trial.
What did Piper know about it?
CHAPTER XXIX.
SLEUTH’S CLEVER WORK.
Beneath the battery of wondering eyes turned upon him Sleuth bore himself proudly, for he felt that at last his hour had come—the hour in which he would demonstrate to the confusion of those who had sneered at him that he really possessed the keen, penetrating, analytical mind of a great detective. He had long yearned for this opportunity, and at last, circumstances providing it, he was confident he had risen to the occasion. Indeed, there was an expression of dignity and sagacity in Piper’s face which surprised those who knew him best and led more than one to fancy it possible he had underrated the lad.
Having been sworn, Sleuth cast a reassuring glance in the direction of Ben Stone, who was watching him intently, following which his eyes wandered to Spotty’s face, who once more suddenly fell to shivering, touched by the chill hand of apprehension and dread.