Herbert stared at the constable in blank amazement.

"I am charged with stealing stamps and money from the post office?"
he said.

"Yes."

"Who makes the charge?" demanded Herbert, in great excitement.

"Eben Graham."

"I don't know what it means," said our hero, turning to George
Melville.

"It means," said Melville, "that the fellow is envious of you, and
angry because he cannot supersede you with me. He evidently wants to
do you an injury."

"It must be so; but I did not imagine that Eben could be so mean.
Mr. Bruce, do you believe that I am a thief?"

"No, I don't, Herbert," said the constable, "and it was very much
against my will that I started out to arrest you, you may be sure."

"When do you want me to go with you?" asked Herbert.

"You will go before Justice Slocum at two o'clock."