rpenters made in erecting the
boat-house with the deepest interest, and Uncle Ben got almost out of
patience answering the innumerable questions they put to him in regard
to what everything was for. Morning, noon, and night they visited the
building, and longed for Saturday afternoon, when they were to make
another excursion in the Zephyr.

Poor Tony's misfortunes had excited all their sympathy, and divided
their attention with the club. Some of them ventured to doubt the
innocence of their companion, though a large majority felt quite sure
he would be cleared at the trial.

Early on Saturday afternoon, Frank and Charles met at the boat-house.

"Will Tony come, do you think?" asked the latter.

"I told him this morning to be sure and come. I hope he will."

"Do you think your father will let him continue to belong to the club?"
asked Charles.

"Certainly he will! Why not?"

"Only think of it--taken up for stealing!"

"Do you believe he is guilty?"

"They wouldn't put him in jail if he wasn't, it isn't likely."

"But he hasn't been tried yet."

"No; but then to think that the wallet was found in his pocket."

"I don't believe he is guilty any more than I believe I am," replied
Frank warmly.

"Nor I; but----"

"But what, Charley?"

"Things look so against him."

"I am afraid Tim Bunker knows more about it than he chooses to tell."

"Don't you remember Tony didn't want us to meddle with it, and said we
had better tell Farmer Whipple it was there rather than touch it
ourselves?" added Charles, looking earnestly into the face of his
companion.

"I _know_ Tony wouldn't steal it."

"He might."

"I am surprised to hear you say so, Charley," said Frank, hurt by the
doubts of his friend.

"He might have thought that Farmer Whipple would never find him out."

"That wouldn't have made any difference with Tony."

"He might have thought, too, how much good the money would do his
mother."

"Tony never could have thought that stolen money would do his mother
any good."

"Perhaps he did not think anything about the wickedness of the act."

"Is it possible, Charley, that you have so poor an opinion of Tony as
that? I shouldn't think you would wish to associate with him now."

"I don't know," said Charles, apparently absorbed by his own thoughts.
"Do you think we ought to have him in the club till after this thing is
settled?"

"Why, Charley! You can't think how it hurts my feelings to hear you
talk