Link was brought out before the judge, having first had a conference with the lawyer Dunk and Andy had engaged. The charge was formally made.
“We plead not guilty,” answered the lawyer, “and I ask that my client be admitted to bail.”
“Hum!” mused the judge. “The specific charge only mentions one book, of the value of two hundred dollars, but I understand there are other charges to follow. I will fix bail at one thousand dollars, the prisoner to stand committed until a bond is signed.”
Andy and Dunk gasped at the mention of a thousand dollars, but the lawyer only smiled quietly.
“I have a bondsman here, your Honor,” he said.
A man, looking like an Italian, came forward, but he proved to have the necessary property, and signed the bond. Then Link was allowed to go, being held, however, to answer to a higher court for the charge against him.
“Now if you’ll come to my office,” suggested the lawyer, “we’ll plan out this case.”
“Oh, I can’t thank you two enough!” gasped Link, when he was free of the police station. “It was awful back there in the cell.”
“Forget it,” advised Dunk, with a laugh. “You’ll never go back there again.”
The consultation with the lawyer took some time, and when it was over Link started for his room. He was cheered by the prospect that the case against him was very slight.