was President of the Board of Aldermen, and he began to be
alarmed, remembering with what rudeness he had treated him.

"I beg your pardon, sir," he said humbly; "I didn't know you."

"What is your name, sir?" demanded the alderman, in a tone of authority.

"Jones, sir."

"How long have you been on the force?"

"Six months, your honor."

"Then you ought to be better fitted for your position by this time."

"I hope you won't take no offense at what I said, not knowing you,
alderman."

"That's no personal offense, but I object to your pronouncing upon the
guilt of parties arrested when you know nothing of the matter."

"Shall I take the boy along, sir?"

"Yes, and this man also. I don't wish to interfere with the exercise of
justice, but it is my opinion that the boy is innocent."

"I protest against this outrage," said Vincent nervously. "Am I to be
punished because I expose a thief?"

"Come along, sir," said the policeman. "The alderman says so."

"I appeal to the gentlemen present," said Vincent, hoping for a forcible
deliverance.

"Madam," said the alderman to the lady who had been robbed, "did you see
the boy take your pocketbook?"

"No, sir! I thought it was the man, till he told me it was the boy, and
the money was found on the boy."

"I should think that told the story," said Vincent. "Any man here might
be arrested as soon as I. Fellow citizens, is this a free country, where
a man of reputation can be summarily arrested at the bidding of another?
If so, I would rather live under a monarchy."

There was a murmur of approval, and some sympathy was excited.

"There will be no injustice done, sir," said the alderman. "I propose to
follow up this matter myself. I will see my friend, Mr. Waterbury, and
I can soon learn whether the boy's story is correct."

"He may lie, too!" said Vincent, who had very good reasons for fearing
Mr. Waterbury's testimony.

"Mr. Waterbury is a gentleman of veracity," said Alderman Morris
sharply. "I see you recognize the name."

"Never heard of him," said Vincent. "I suppose it is one of the boy's
confederates."

"I will answer for him," said the alderman. "My boy," he said, "I hope
we shall be able to prove your innocence. Be under no anxiety. Go with
the officer, and I will seek out Mr. Waterbury. Officer, take care to
treat him gently."

"All right, sir."

There was no fear now that Tom would be roughly treated. He had too much
regard for his own interest