, and his tenure of office, to disoblige a
man so influential and powerful as Alderman Morris.

Notwithstanding there had been such a turn in his favor, Tom felt
humiliated to feel that he was under restraint, and his cheeks burned
with shame as he walked beside the officer. Vincent, upon the other
side, gnashed his teeth with rage, as he thought of his unexpected
detention. Just as revenge was in his grasp, he had been caught in the
same trap which he had so willingly set for Tom.

"That Alderman Morris is a fool!" he said. "He isn't fit to be in
office."

"Don't you say nothin' against him!" said the policeman. "It won't be
best for you. He's one of our leadin' citizens, Alderman Morris is."

"He snubbed you!" sneered Vincent. "He talked to you as if you were a
dog."

"No, he didn't. You'd better shut up, prisoner."

"Oh, well, if you're willing to be trampled upon, it isn't any of my
business. I wouldn't stand it, alderman or no alderman. Such things
wouldn't be allowed in New York, where I live."

"Oh, New York's a model city, so I've heard," retorted the policeman, in
a tone of sarcasm. "We don't pretend to come up to New York."

Finding that nothing was to be gained by continuing his attacks upon
the alderman, Vincent became silent; but his brain was active. He felt
that Mr. Waterbury's testimony would be fatal to him. He must escape, if
possible. Soon a chance came. He seized his opportunity, shook off the
grasp of the officer, and darted away. Not knowing what to do with Tom,
who was also under arrest, the officer paused an instant, then, leaving
our hero, hastened in pursuit.

"Now's your chance to escape, boy!" said a sympathetic bystander to him.

"I don't want to escape," answered Tom. "I want my innocence proved. I
shall stay where I am till the officer returns."

And he kept his word. Ten minutes later the officer came back, puffing
and panting, after an unsuccessful pursuit; prepared to find Tom gone
also.

"What, are you there?" he asked, staring in wonder.

"Yes," said Tom; "I don't want to escape. I shall come out right."

"I believe you will," said the officer, with a revulsion of sentiment in
Tom's favor. "Just walk along beside me, and I won't take hold of you.
I'm not afraid of your running away now."

CHAPTER XVIII.

TOM GETS OUT OF HIS DIFFICULTY.

Tom had not been long in the station-house when Alderman Morris,
accompanied by Mr. Waterbury, entered. The latter looked