The Calico Cat
   "And when I think of that poor boy shut up in that awful jail, locked into a cell, when he ought to be out-of-doors playing ball and having a good time, it makes my blood boil!" continued Miss Ware. "Now, Fred," she concluded, with pretty decision, "you must stop it."

   Fred laughed.

   "Isn't that a pretty large order?" he asked. "Squire Tucker put him there. I guess it's legal."

   "You can do

    something

   ," said his betrothed. "Go to see Jimmie. See if you can't find out what's

   the matter. Jimmie likes you, perhaps he'll tell."

   "I didn't know Jim had any particular partiality for me," said Fred, but he felt kindlier toward the boy in spite of himself.

   "If you can only find out what really happened, I know we can get him out," averred Miss Ware.

   "Why don't you go yourself?" said Farnsworth.

   "I can't,—not till five o'clock. Of course I'm going then!"

   "That's about four hours off," said Farnsworth.

   "But I want something done

    now

   !" exclaimed Nancy.

   "Oh!" said Fred, humorously.

   "Will you go?"

   "Of course. I'll start at once." Fred dropped his banter. "I'll tell you what, Nancy. I may not be able to do much right off, but I'll promise you that he has a fair chance before the grand jury."

   Farnsworth started at once for the jail. It was a poor place for a boy, he reflected, as he rang the jailer's private bell. Calkins himself was not there, and his wife came to the door. She knew Farnsworth; and when he asked if he might see Jim she laughed a little, and told him to "step right in."


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