The angry constable grasped an arm of the sailor and the lad, and with a crowd at their heels led them away toward the court, in the rear of which was the jail. The judge had just finished his last case for the day, but took his seat, willing to hear the case, for he heard several remark that it was nothing but persecution. The constable made his report, and the sailor told his story just as he had witnessed it, Mark Merrill remaining silent and calm until called upon to testify. Then he told his version of the affair in an unmoved, dignified manner that impressed all, adding: “If I am to be punished, your honor, I beg of you to accept my pledge to return, after I have sent a physician to my mother.” Paying no attention to this remark the judge asked: “Are there any witnesses in court who are willing to testify in favor of these two prisoners?” “I am, Judge Miller, if you will accept me as a witness, for I saw and heard all.” All started as a clear, sweet voice came from the rear of the crowd, and there appeared a young girl of fourteen, her beautiful face crimsoned from the glances turned upon her, but her manner firm and half-defiant. “Ah! Miss Virgene, it is you, is it? Yes, indeed, I’ll accept your testimony with pleasure,” was the pleasant response of the judge, and the crowd fell aside to allow the pretty maiden to go to the front. CHAPTER III. THE GIRL WITNESS. Virgene Rich was the beauty of the little seaport town of B----, notwithstanding that she had only been a couple of years across the threshold of her “teens.” She was the daughter of landlord Rich, of the “Anchorage Tavern,” and every one in B---- loved her, especially the lads. Her most persistent admirer was Scott Clemmons, though he could not boast of having been more favored by her than others. Now, as he saw her advance as a witness, his face paled and flushed by turns, for what would she, a girl, have to say of a quarrel among men, he wondered. “Well, Miss Virgene, do you voluntarily appear in this case?” asked the judge, with a kindly smile. “I do, Judge Miller, because I deem it my duty to do so, for if not I would not make myself appear so forward,” was the low yet distinct response. “Kiss the Book then, Miss Virgene, and let me hear what you have to say.” The girl obeyed, and then said in a voice that not one failed to hear: “I was seated in my room, sir, over the tavern parlor when I saw a surf-skiff running for shore, and noticed it particularly on account of its being so well handled. “Right beneath stood five young men, whom I see here now. Scott Clemmons recognized the occupant of the skiff, that youth there, whose name I believe is Mark Merrill. “A plan was at once formed, as they expressed it, to ‘clip the sea cub’s claws,’ and as Master Merrill landed they went toward him.