d his arms on the
table, as he was asleep or pretended to be."

"The roll of bank-notes was found in that coat, wrapped up in a bit of
yellow paper," said the magistrate. "You may sit down, Pelle."

The magistrate then solemnly called on Frans to speak for himself.

"I know nothing at all about the money," he said. "I heard somebody
coming in at the inn, and put down my head at once, and tipped my hat
forward to hide my face. I did not look up again until I had heard the
person beside me stir and then go out. I believe I had dozed a little,
but I can't be sure."

Knut, when questioned, denied having seen old Pelle at all, and
declared that it was probable the whole story had been made up after
the old man had heard outside that the notes were found in Frans's
pocket. As if anybody could see who was behind him by looking into his
own spectacles! It had been a bad business going off with Frans, and
he was very sorry for it. He had found Frans in such a taking about
his bad report, ashamed and afraid to go home, and talking of working
his way as a sailor over the ocean. "Of course I went with him, and
tried to take care of him," said Knut, "and this is my reward! Frans
and that old fellow have been regular 'chums.' I have often seen them
together. Of course 'the quality' would have somebody to turn the
world upside down to help them. Frans has his own father, but I"--here
Knut sobbed audibly--"a poor widow's son, have nobody to stand by me.
If my _poor_ mother were here, what could she do for me? But she is
far back in the country, not knowing what her boy has come to by trying
to help a young scamp who had got into a tight place."

There was much sympathy for Knut in the little assembly, and "Poor
fellow! poor fellow!" had been murmured by more than one listener as he
went on.

"See out of the back of his head!" continued Knut, "or in his
spectacles, as he says! Likely! Better try him," he boldly concluded.

"A good suggestion," said the magistrate.

The court-room seemed suddenly changed into a playroom for grown
people. Pelle was placed on a chair, now here and now there, while
different people were placed behind him, and he was called on to say
who was leaning towards his shoulder.

Pelle looked and looked in vain. The spectacles told no tales. A
sneer went round the room again and again, and Knut was heard to
chuckle as he said, "Of course he made up the whole story. That any
one in his s