“You don’t look like a fellow who would steal.” “I never took a thing that didn’t belong to me in my life, sir.” “I believe you.” “Mr. Webster thinks I am guilty, but I know nothing of the matter; that is, nothing but what I have told. Mr. Webster also insinuates that you might have had something to do with it,” I added, bound that Mr. Markham should know all. “I heard something of that sort. I have also heard that there is a streak of insanity in the Webster family,” he added, with a twinkle in his eye that made even Squire Slocum smile. “He is so upset by this robbery that he doesn’t know what he is doing. I suppose he would accuse the President if it came into his head.” “He says you were in the office when Mr. Ditson brought in the diamonds, and that you overheard him say that they would be safe in the old vault as long as the safe of the jeweler was being repaired,” explained the squire. “I remember seeing a gentleman come in with a small bag,” replied Mr. Markham; “but I paid no attention to what he had to say or what was done with the bag; I was too excited over my own affairs.” “Then the diamonds belonged to Mr. Ditson and Mr. Camp?” I asked, for I was still in the dark on this point. “Yes,” said Squire Slocum. “They are a couple of jewelers that were stopping at the Bayport Grand Hotel with some diamonds for several parties who are putting up there, or were to come. They left the diamonds at the bank for safe keeping. Mr. Webster says you saw Mr. Ditson with the stones.” “If I did I don’t remember it,” I replied. “The janitor was very rude to me, and I soon went outside and stood by the gutter till Mr. Markham came out.” “Mr. Webster told me you had a diamond in your possession.” “I am willing to swear that I picked the stone up on the mill floor. It was dropped there either by Mr. Norton or Andy Carney, or else somebody that came in while I was asleep. I know that statement sounds rather queer, but it’s the plain truth.” “You certainly stick to it,” commented the squire. “I believe the young man,” said Mr. Markham. “And now, since I have caused him so much trouble, I think it my duty to see if I cannot help him. Can you let him out on bail?” “I don’t know,” said Squire Slocum slowly. “We haven’t had a regular hearing yet.” “If I’m let out I’ll be on hand whenever wanted,” I put in quickly. “Suppose you see what can be done,” said Mr. Markham. “I will bear all the expense, Squire, and I guess I can convince you I am perfectly reliable, even if Webster won’t believe it.” “Let us go over to Judge Green’s office in Bayport,” said Squire Slocum. “Maybe we can fix it up. I wouldn’t care to take the responsibility alone.” This was agreed to, and the two went off at once, and the jailer locked me in once more. But I was now lighter hearted and time passed quickly. Three hours later Mr. Markham and the squire returned, and I was let out under five thousand dollars bail.