“I happened to see an old copy of the _Meadow Brook News_ this morning and read to my horror what you were saying about him and me. It made me sick that my old friends and my relatives could allow such an awful charge to be made on such a man as Darcy Sherwood. I had to get somebody to take my place in school while I came here, and I was afraid I wouldn’t get here in time before you did something dreadful you could never be forgiven for. But I’m glad I came, and I’m--_ashamed_ of you all.” If any one had been looking at Darcy then they would have seen a wonderful look in his eyes, but everybody’s attention was centred on Joyce. There had not been such a sensation in Meadow Brook in years as the dead coming to life just in time to save a tragedy. The Judge stood up and addressed Darcy. His voice was trembling. He was very unjudgelike in his manner. “My boy, you are free from the charge and the court dismisses the case.” He was smiling and there was something like a mist in his eyes. Darcy inclined his head slightly. “Your Honor, I thank you. I am glad to be exonerated from a crime that I did not commit; but I want to ask your permission now to confess to one that I did. I want to take the penalty, whatever it is, and be cleared in the eyes of the law forever.” The court-room grew suddenly hushed. People who had risen and begun to adjust wraps and pick up their gloves sat down again. All ears were strained to hear every word. “You have my permission,” said the Judge looking instantly grave and anxious. “Is the attorney here to take down the confession? Mr. Robinson--” There was a little stir in the room while the attorney came forward, and then Darcy went on: “For several months prior to the time last spring when I left town I had been in the bootlegging business.” “Oh!--Ah!” were whispered here and there with nods of previous conviction from people who had been half disappointed to have the trial turn out so well. “I gave it up because I had come to feel that it was wrong. I confess it now because I want to pay the penalty of what I have done. Judge, I will be glad if you will put this through as soon as possible. I am ready to take what is coming to me.” The Judge bowed gravely. There was no denying that he looked relieved. “This will have to go through the regular routine of course,” he said, “but it can be run through quickly. Mr. Robinson, you get the items, number of cases sold and so on; prepare the indictment, and we’ll try to get it through tomorrow.” The Judge straightened up and looked about him, his eyes resting on the four witnesses, holding their hats ready for a speedy departure, and at that moment the district attorney jumped up briskly. “Your Honor,” he said. “I ask that these four witnesses be held for perjury.” A murmur of satisfaction went rippling over the court-room as people rose to go out.