I was discharged the next week. Although there was nothing against me except the fact that I had been seen about the barn previous to the fire, and the well-known enmity between me and the judge, it would have gone hard with me had it not been for the fact that in the ruins of the burned barn they found the remains of an old farm-hand, who had probably wandered in there while drunk and set the place on fire with his pipe. When I was released my uncle said the folks were ready to have me back home; but without a word I started north on the county road in the direction of the great city. * * * * * "So," said his Honor, when I had finished my story in the dingy chamber of the police court, "you want me to believe that you really had no hand in firing that barn any more than you took this lady's purse?" But he smiled to himself, at his own penetration, I suppose, and when we were back in the court room that dreaded sentence fell from his lips like a shot,--"Officer, the prisoner is discharged." "I knew he was innocent!" the young lady exclaimed the next instant. "But, Judge, where is the purse and my friend Worden's fur coat?" the old gentleman protested. "You don't see them about him, do you, Doctor?" the judge inquired blandly. Then he turned to me: "Edward, I think that you have told me an honest story. I hope so." He took a coin from his pocket. "Here's a dollar, my boy. Buy a ticket for as far as this will take you, and walk the rest of the way home." "I guess I have come to Chicago to stay," I answered. "They aren't breaking their hearts over losing me down home." "Well, my son, as you think best. In this glorious Republic it is every man's first privilege to take his own road to hell. But, at any rate, get a good dinner to start on. We don't serve first-class meals here." "I'll return this as soon as I can," I said, picking up the coin. "The sooner the better; and the less we see of each other in the future, the better, eh?" I grinned, and started for the door through which I had been brought into court, but an officer pointed to another door that led to the street. As I made for it I passed near the young lady. She called to me:-- "Mister, mister, what will you do now?" "Get something to eat first, and then look for another purse, perhaps," I replied. She blushed very prettily. "I am sorry I accused you, but you were looking at me so hard just then--I thought.... I want you to take this!" She tried to give me a bill rolled up in a little wad. "No, thanks," I said, moving off. "But you may need it. Every one says it's so hard to find work." "Well, I don't take money from a woman." "Oh!" She blushed again. Then she ran to the old gentleman, who was talking to the judge, and got from him a little black memorandum-book. [Illustration: "_I want you to take this._"]