e was driven home by hunger.
But he had scarcely seated himself at the dinner-table before a knock
was heard at the door.

"Go to the door, Tim," said his father.

"I don't want to go," answered Tim, with a whine.

A kind of dread had taken possession of him since his interview with
Captain Sedley in the morning, and every noise he heard seemed to
foretell that something was about to occur.

"Go, this minute!" said his father sternly.

"Don't want to."

"But you shall."

Tim, finding there was no escape, rose, and went to the door. To his
consternation he beheld Mr. Headley, the constable! He felt as though
he should drop through the floor. His heart beat so violently that he
could hardly stand up.

"I want you, Tim," said Mr. Headley.

"Me!" gasped Tim.

"Get your cap, and come along."

"What for?"

"I'll tell you when you get to the jail."

Tim drew a long breath, and went back for his cap.

"Who is it, Tim?" asked his father.

But Tim made no reply, and instead of returning to the front door, he
took his cap and sneaked out through the back room. The woods were
close by, and the hope of escaping inspired him with new courage.
Throwing open the back door, he rushed out.

"So, so! my fine fellow!" exclaimed the constable, who stood before the
door, and into whose arms he had thrown himself as he leaped down the
doorsteps. "This is your plan, is it? We'll give you the ruffles,
then."

So saying, Mr. Headley took a pair of handcuffs from his pocket, and
fastened them upon Tim's wrists.

"I didn't steal the wallet," cried Tim lustily, as he struggled to get
away.

"You must come with me," replied the constable, holding him fast.

[Illustration: You must come with Me. _P._ 279.]

Tim's father and mother came to the door, as Mr. Headley marched him
off. They asked the officer what he was doing with their son. Without
stopping to give any details, he told them the boy was wanted for
stealing Farmer Whipple's wallet.

CHAPTER XIX

THE TRIAL OF TONY

Joe Braman was arrested on the same day, and committed to the Rippleton
jail. It was understood that suspicions were fastened upon him, though
the precise nature of the testimony against him had not yet been made
public. His examination, as well as that of Tim Bunker, was postponed
until after the trial of Tony, which had been appointed, in
consideration of the circumstances, for the following day.

Captain Sedley had been very active in