"Have you no friends in the city?" proceeded the judge, after he had examined the witness.
Isaac shook his head disconsolately. "I have about five dollars; that is all, and my bag—and, sir, my character."
"Then I am afraid I shall have to hold you over in default of bail until the trial." The judge nodded to the sheriff to bring on the next case.
"Where are you taking me?"
"To the City Jail," answered the sheriff curtly. "Come along!" With a mighty effort Isaac wrenched himself loose, and strode to the bar.
"Judge!" he cried. "Judge, you wouldn't do that! Let me go! I will come back on the trial. Look at me, Judge! What have I done? Why should I be sent to prison? I am an honest man!"
But the judge was used to such scenes, and he turned his head wearily away.
"The law requires the government to hold the witness in default of bail, in cases of capital crime." The judge was a kind man, and he tried to do a kind act by explaining the subtle process of the law again to the lad. When he had done this, he nodded. And now the men approached Isaac to remove him, by force if necessary. But the New Hampshire boy stood before the bar of justice stolidly. His eyes wandered aimlessly, and his lips muttered. Paralysis swept near him at that instant.
"Am—I—imprisoned because I am friendless and poor? Is this your law?"
The judge shrugged his shoulders, but many in the court-room felt uncomfortable.