In a little while the court was called to order, and the prisoners were granted a hearing. Ford and I were the principal witnesses, and we were listened to with close attention. “Well, Stone, I think you had some remarkable adventures on Rock Island,” said Judge Green, after I had finished. “You came very near losing your life, if what you say is true.” “I have told everything exactly as it occurred.” “Then these men have an account to settle outside of the robbery. It is no light offense to treat anybody as you have been treated.” “Besides that, they stole my boat,” I added. “Yes; that is true.” “I trust you don’t think I am guilty, sir.” “About that it is not my place to say. Squire Slocum has let you out on bail. Remember you are innocent until proven guilty, as is the case with every one brought before the bar of justice.” “And when do you suppose the case will come to trial?” “That will depend upon whether the other robber is captured or not. It will probably be tried at this term of court.” While the judge and I were conversing, a gentleman entered the room and pushed his way to my side. It was Mr. Markham, and he shook me warmly by the hand. “I have heard what you have done, Stone,” he said. “Allow me to congratulate you.” Then his eyes ran over those gathered around and rested upon Mr. Norton. “Hullo, Norton Bixby, where did you come from?” he demanded. “I thought you were in the New York State Penitentiary.” I listened in amazement. What did Mr. Markham mean by addressing Mr. Norton as Norton Bixby? To me it was an intensely interesting question, and I sprang forward before the latter could reply to the question that had been propounded. “Is this man not Mr. Enos Norton?” I asked breathlessly. “Enos Norton,” repeated Mr. Markham. “Why, no. His name is Bixby, Norton Bixby, and I had him arrested three years ago in New York for stealing some unregistered bonds from my office.” I fell back in astonishment. CHAPTER XXXI. A LUCKY FIND. “If his name is Bixby he cannot be my uncle,” I gasped. “What is your uncle’s name?” “Enos Norton.” “There is a similarity in names, but I guess he is not the man.” I breathed a sigh of relief. The news was worth more than a thousand dollars to me. “Then he is some first-class fraud,” I went on; “for he came to Bend Center about a week ago, and pretended to be my uncle, and said that my father had appointed him as my guardian.” “That is very odd,” observed Judge Green gravely. “This matter must be looked into. You are positive this man is Norton Bixby?” he continued, to Mr. Markham. “I am. His face is one not easily forgotten. But I thought his term was not up for some time yet.” “Perhaps he was let out for good behavior,” suggested Captain Harley. “They often shorten their time for that reason, you know.” “So I understand. How about this, Bixby?” And he turned to my pretended guardian.