bill than the one he paid to Farmer
Whipple. Requesting him not to mark any more, he went over to the jail.

Tony was in much better spirits than he expected to find him. His only
trouble was in relation to his mother, and he cried bitterly when he
spoke of her. Captain Sedley comforted him, assuring him his mother and
his friends were satisfied that he was innocent, and that he should
have the best lawyer in the county to defend him.

"I don't want any lawyer, Captain Sedley," said Tony stoutly; "I am as
innocent of this crime as though I had never been born."

"But, Tony, who do you think stole the wallet?"

"I have no idea, unless Tim Bunker did; and he has laid it to me to
clear himself."

"Tim is one of the witnesses, and a good lawyer may be able to get the
truth out of him."

"I don't believe he could," replied Tony with a faint smile.

"I shall engage Squire Benson to defend you; and to-morrow, before the
examination, he will come in to see you. If you have anything to say,
you can say it to him."

"I can only say I am innocent."

"He will want to know all the circumstances."

"I will tell him all I know about it."

After some further conversation, Captain Sedley took his leave, and
hastened to the office of Squire Benson, who was the most distinguished
lawyer in that county.

The legal gentleman readily engaged to defend Tony, and arrangements
were made for the examination. The marked bank bill was an important
matter for consideration, though there was no present hope of finding
it. But there was a prospect that it would eventually come to light.

On his arrival at his house, Captain Sedley found the widow Weston
waiting his return. She was much comforted when she heard that Tony was
in good spirits. She listened with attention to all her kind friend
said, and went home with a lighter heart than when she came. The
interest which Captain Sedley manifested in the case inspired her with
hope. He was an influential man, and his assistance would enable her to
do all that could be done.

On the following morning the examination of Tony took place at the
office of Squire Little. Mrs. Weston had an interview with her son when
he was brought in by the officer. Both wept, but there was hope in the
consciousness that he was innocent. Frank, Charles, and Tim Bunker were
there as witnesses, as well as Farmer Whipple and Mr. Hyde.

The examination proceeded, but it was only a repetition of the facts
alre