The jury gave in their verdict of not guilty, without leaving their seats. As they did so, a gentleman, with a very long beard and mustache, rose, and clapped his hands with great violence. His example was followed by a large portion of the audience, and the sheriff had much trouble in restoring order.
CHAPTER XX
THE STRANGER
The officer immediately released the prisoner from his confinement, and Tony sprang into the waiting arms of his mother.
"Bless you, my boy!" she exclaimed, as the tears rolled down her cheeks. "I knew you were innocent!"
"My carriage waits for you, Mrs. Weston," said Captain Sedley, after he had cordially shaken the hand of Squire Benson.
The widow thanked the lawyer for his good service, and the party withdrew from the court-room. In the street, amid the cheers of the multitude, the boat club formed their column, and marched down to the lake.
When they reached the Zephyr, they found her in charge of one of the men who worked on the farm of Captain Sedley.
"Where is Uncle Ben?" asked Frank.