"Then I will apply at once for a warrant for your arrest for holding property belonging to my young client," said Mr. Conway. CHAPTER XII. MR. JONES IS EXCITED. The astonishment and wrath of Mr. Jones were almost ludicrous as he stared at the lawyer, who, cool and composed, reiterated his threat. "I never heard of such a thing!" he gasped. "You take my own money from me?" "It remains to be proved whether it is your own money. The boy says it is his." "The boy lies." "Really, Mr. Jones, I cannot allow you to make such charges against my client, unless you are ready to substantiate them by proof." "It stands to reason," began Mr. Jones, but the young lawyer interrupted him. "Nothing stands to reason that you can't prove," he said. "We will give you an opportunity to prove your ownership of the bill to-morrow in court. Now hand the bill to officer Drake." Very much against his will, Mr. Jones felt compelled to do this. "Isn't the boy going to be arrested?" he demanded, with an ugly look at Bert. "It is unnecessary. You can bring a formal charge against him before Squire Marlowe to-morrow." "The boy may escape during the night. I won't trust him." There was a murmur of disapproval among those present. All liked Bert, and Mr. Jones, from his quick temper and ugly disposition, was by no means a favorite. The store-keeper saw that it would not be good policy to insist upon Bert's arrest, and he said, sullenly, "I will hold you responsible for his presence at the trial." Mr. Conway smiled. "If he is not present, I will myself see that you do not suffer in consequence. Besides, flight would be tantamount to confession, and the case would go against him by default." "And should I in that case get the twenty-dollar bill?" "I will take it upon me to offer no opposition," said the lawyer. "Now, can I go?" asked Bert. "Yes; I will accompany you home for consultation." Bert took the can of kerosene and was about to leave the store, when the store-keeper said harshly: "Put down that kerosene! you haven't paid for it!" Bert flushed and looked embarrassed. It was true that he had not paid for it, nor did he have the money to pay, outside of the twenty-dollar bill which had been taken from him. "I have no money," he said. "I will leave it till to-morrow." "How much is it, Mr. Jones?" asked Conway. "Twenty-five cents." "I will advance the money. Bert, take your can." "You are very kind, Mr. Conway," said the boy gratefully. "We will settle hereafter. Now let us be going." In explanation of the price mentioned, I may say that kerosene is now much cheaper than at the date of my story. "Now, Bert," said Mr. Conway, "as your legal adviser I shall have to ask you to tell me just where you obtained the bill you offered in payment to Mr. Jones for the kerosene. I have no doubt of your innocence, but we must make it plain to all who may attend the trial."