er related his story, Chris meanwhile sitting on the steps almost
asleep.

"It seems to me it's all your fault for not doing as the gentleman
told you, but going by such as he," said the constable, looking
disdainfully at Chris. "Now, look here," he added; "if you'll wait at
the door while I take in this chap and speak to the superintendent,
when I've done I'll take you to the colonel, and p'raps he'll see
you."

Walter thanked him, and waited patiently till he reappeared.

They soon reached the colonel's house, and were admitted to see him,
when the policeman recounted Walter's adventures. The magistrate was a
tall, thin old man, with a bristling white moustache, and a very
sharp, quick manner.

"Well," he said to Walter, "if your story is true, you've been a very
foolish fellow, and quite spoilt what might have been a very pleasant
day. You can go and sit in the kitchen and have some supper, while I
telegraph to your rector. If he says it is all as you say, I will lend
you the money to go back by the 9.30 train."

"Oh, thank you, sir, thank you," cried Walter, feeling as if his
troubles were coming to an end at last. "But what about Chris?"

"Your friend in the lock-up? He must stay there till he is let out.
When he is set free, I suppose his relations will send the money for
his journey--you can see about that when you get home--and he will
probably have to pay a fine also, before he can go."

Never had Walter enjoyed a supper more. An hour passed quickly away,
and he was quite surprised at being summoned again so soon to the
colonel's library. He looked less fierce this time.

"It's all right, Franklin," he said. "Mr. Richardson has requested me
to help you, so here is the money. I hope you will get home safely,
and learn from the events of to-day to choose your friends from among
the steady lads of the village, and not to listen to the big talkers,
who want you to despise your elders, and judge for yourself."

"No, sir; I don't mean to be friends with Chris again," said Walter.
"Thank you for helping me, sir. Good-night."

He shut the door, and as he walked away he said to himself,--

"I see now what it is that makes Chris so often go wrong. It's just
that whatever any one tells him to do, he always says, 'I know best.'"

THE END.

Transcriber's Note:

The frontispiece illustration has been shifted to follow the title page.

End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Archie's Mistake, by G.