The Justice had been rapidly filling out a paper since he had rendered his decision, and now he looked up:
"Your bond is ready," he said. "Whom do you name for bondsman?"
"I have none," faltered the lad, "unless some gentleman here will give bond for me."
Mr. Wright, who sat near the boy, felt that this touching appeal was meant for him, and at once there began a struggle in his heart. He had always liked Budd. So far as he knew, Budd had always been perfectly honorable; and he could not help thinking the lad had established his innocence beyond a shadow of a doubt. Still Mr. Johnson's testimony as to the father's character had had its influence upon him, and he was not quite sure it would be just wise to become the boy's bondsman. While he hesitated, he and the others in the court-room were surprised to hear a voice say:
"I'll sign his bond."
The speaker was Mr. Benton, and that gentleman walked forward to the Justice's stand and deliberately wrote his name across the paper.
"I guess that'll stand the law," he remarked; and before Budd could even thank him he strode from the court-room, as though ashamed of his act.
No sooner had he disappeared than Mr. Wright walked up to the Justice's desk, saying, quietly:
"Put my name on the bond also. Two bondsmen are better than one;" and he wrote his name under that of Mr. Benton's.
Then, crossing over to Budd's side, he shook hands with him, remarking: