Mrs. Peaslee had taken a violent dislike to her taciturn neighbor, and she did not care who knew it. Her shrill voice seemed to her husband painfully loud, and, indeed, it was beginning to attract the attention of the group of children who had gathered about the Edwards gate.

   "Sh!" hissed Solomon. "Ed'ards might hear ye. 'T would hurt us if he should take his account out of the bank."

   "Humph!" exclaimed Mrs. Peaslee. "Well," she added, "you go

   to the hearin'. Justice is suthin', I guess."

   But she said no more, and with her husband and the children awaited events—a silent group in the silent street before the silent house. The children's eyes grew bigger and bigger with excitement. Was not Jimmy Edwards going to be arrested for mur-r-rder? the horrid whisper ran. One small boy, beginning to whimper, asked if Jimmy was "going to be hung."

   The occasion was solemn even to the older eyes of Mr. Peaslee. "S'posin' it was me," he said to himself.

   Presently Mr. Edwards, Jim, and the constable emerged from the house. Jim looked white and frightened, but was bravely trying to bear himself like a man. Mr. Edwards, his long, shaven upper lip stiff as a board, looked stern and uncompromising. Barton was as big and good-humored as ever.

   He turned upon the little boys and girls, and, waving his arm, cried, "Scat!" They fell back—about ten feet. Thus the procession formed: Barton and Jim, then Mr. Edwards, and—at a barely respectful distance—the crowd of youngsters.

   Mr. Peaslee, much moved, but trying hard not to show it, thrust his rake under the veranda with a great show of care, and joined Mr. Edwards—much to that gentleman's surprise. Solomon's heart was throbbing with a great resolution.

   "I always aim to be neighborly," said he, nervously lowering his voice, for he was conscious of his wife, still standing on the veranda. "Thought I'd just step along, too. I cal'late mebbe you'd like comp'ny on his bail bond," and he jerked his thumb toward Jim.

   It was out; he was committed,

   and Solomon heaved a great sigh, he knew not whether of relief or dismay. There was not indeed any risk in signing with Edwards, who was "good" for any bail that the justice was likely to require; but what would Mrs. Peaslee say if she 

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