to leave Lakeville," began the squire,
abruptly. "There is no time to be lost."

"Why should I leave Lakeville?"

"You don't want to be arrested, I take it?"

"Is there any danger of it?"

"Yes; I telegraphed yesterday to Robert Manning that you were here.
Officers of the law may arrive at any time."

"Why did you betray me?" asked Barton, quietly.

"Because I thought it my duty. I had no right to shield a criminal."

"Then why have you put me on my guard?"

"For your wife's sake."

"I am surprised at your consideration. You showed very little when you
discharged my boy from your factory."

"That was a matter of business. But there is no time to waste in
discussion. I advise you to go to the station at once. A train will
leave for New York in half an hour, and you may be able to escape before
the arrival of the officers."

"But I don't want to escape."

"Are you mad?" demanded the squire, impatiently. "Do you want to spend a
term of years in prison?"

"Heaven forbid!"

"Then profit by my warning, and escape while there is time."

"No. If I am arrested I will stand trial."

"Have you taken leave of your senses?"

"No; I wish to prove my innocence."

"What chance have you of that?"

"The testimony of Ralph Harding----"

"What!" exclaimed Squire Marlowe, rising in great agitation. "Where is
Ralph Harding?"

"Here!" was the unexpected reply, and Uncle Jacob entered the room,
accompanied by Bert and Mr. Harding.

Albert Marlowe turned his gaze from one to another in ill-concealed
dismay.

"What is the meaning of this?" he asked, hoarsely. "Have you been
hatching up a plot against me?"

"No," answered Uncle Jacob with dignity. "It is our object to relieve
John Barton from the stigma upon his fair name. In doing so it may be
necessary to fasten the crime upon the guilty party. Who that is, you
know as well as I do."

"No one will credit the testimony of that man!" said the squire,
pointing scornfully at Ralph Harding.

"Don't be too sure of that! His story is plain and straightforward, and
I think it will impress the court that way."

"Albert has been urging me to escape," said John Barton. "He has set the
officers on my track."

"Has he done this?" asked Uncle Jacob, sharply.

"So he says."

At this moment a knock was heard at the door, and there was a new and
unexpected arrival, which produced a sensation.

It was Robert Manning, of Brooklyn.

"You telegraphed to me, Mr. Marlowe,"