"Is it necessary for me to go to the lockup?" asked Herbert,
shrinking, with natural repugnance, from entering the temporary
house of tramps and law breakers.

"No, Herbert," answered the constable, in a friendly tone. "I'll
take it upon myself to let you go home to dinner. I will call for
you at quarter of two. Of course I shall find you ready to accompany
me?"

"Yes, Mr. Bruce, I am impatient to meet Eben Graham, and tell him to
his face that he has been guilty of a mean and contemptible
falsehood, in charging me with theft. Not a person in the village
who knows me will believe it."

"I will also call at your house, Herbert," said George Melville,
"and accompany you to the office of the justice. I shall ask leave
to give the details of Eben Graham's visit to me last evening."

"Thank you, Mr. Melville," said Herbert, "I am glad you do not
believe a word of this story."

"I am not so easily deceived, Herbert. It is quite possible that
stamps and money have been stolen, but, if so, it is your false
friend and accuser who is guilty."

Of course Herbert had to tell his mother what had happened. She was
agitated and alarmed, but became calmer when Herbert told her what
was Eben's probable motive in making the charge.

"How can he behave so shamefully!" exclaimed the indignant parent.