Budd Boyd's Triumph Part 15

CHAPTER XIII.--MR. BENTON'S LITTLE GAME.

Budd was partially prepared for the Trial Justice's decision, as it was but the natural result of the bias he had shown in his rulings; but the excessive amount of the bond astonished him and filled him with alarm.

He had thought, in case he was bound over to the higher court, the bond would be fixed at a few hundred dollars, and that some of his or Judd's friends would be willing to become surety for so small an amount; but when the Justice named the sum of one thousand dollars he felt there was but one alternative--he must go to jail.

His alarm at the prospect was not due so much to the fact that he shrunk from confinement in the jail as that the confinement would defeat his whole plans. Just as he had some hope of proving his father's innocence, and of rescuing him from an unjust imprisonment, his hopes were to be ruthlessly crushed, his purpose thwarted, and he himself stigmatized as a criminal. It was with difficultly that he could restrain the hot tears that were struggling to flow.

The Justice had been rapidly filling out a paper since he had rendered his decision, and now he looked up:

"Your bond is ready," he said. "Whom do you name for bondsman?"

"I have none," faltered the lad, "unless some gentleman here will give bond for me."

Mr. Wright, who sat near the boy, felt that this touching appeal was meant for him, and at once there began a struggle in his heart. He had always liked Budd. So far as he knew, Budd had always been perfectly honorable; and he could not help thinking the lad had established his innocence beyond a shadow of a doubt. Still Mr. Johnson's testimony as to the father's character had had its influence upon him, and he was not quite sure it would be just wise to become the boy's bondsman. While he hesitated, he and the others in the court-room were surprised to hear a voice say:

"I'll sign his bond."

The speaker was Mr. Benton, and that gentleman walked forward to the Justice's stand and deliberately wrote his name across the paper.

"I guess that'll stand the law," he remarked; and before Budd could even thank him he strode from the court-room, as though ashamed of his act.

No sooner had he disappeared than Mr. Wright walked up to the Justice's desk, saying, quietly:

"Put my name on the bond also. Two bondsmen are better than one;" and he wrote his name under that of Mr. Benton's.

Then, crossing over to Budd's side, he shook hands with him, remarking:

"Mr. Benton got the start of me; but I have shown my good-will, all the same. Shall we go, now?"

Budd thought, by his look more than his words, that he desired to see him alone, and so followed him out of the court-room.

When they reached the street, Mr. Wright took Budd by the arm and led him away from the throng that was pouring out of the building, and said:

"Look out for Mr. Benton. His name on your bond to-day means mischief.

I don't know what game he is about to play, but by putting my own there I hope to baffle him."

Before Budd could express his surprise at Mr. Wright's words they were joined by Judd and Mr. Dane. That gentleman shook hands with the released lad and said:

"Had I been known to the Justice I should have offered myself for your bondsman, though you should never have needed one. How in the world that thick-headed Justice could have given such a decision is a mystery to me. I----"

But what the speaker was to have said was cut short by a nudge from Judd.

Mr. Johnson and the Justice were pa.s.sing, and that his words had been heard was only too evident by Mr. Johnson's frown and the Justice's ridiculous action.

"I fine you ten dollars for contempt of court," he said, angrily, stopping and facing Mr. Dane.

"I believe your court is adjourned, and I am on the public highway, expressing my private opinion to friends," replied Mr. Dane, coolly.

"But I am not surprised at your want of judgment. It is only on a par with that you showed in the court-room, and suggests the fact that this town is sadly in need of at least one new Justice."

A laugh from the gathering crowd sent the hot blood to the Justice's face, and catching some idea of the foolish position into which he had allowed himself to be drawn by his anger, he hurried off down the street.

"Will you return to Bristol at once?" Budd asked. "If so, we will arrange to take you over."

"No," replied Mr. Dane; "I have business in Providence, and will go round that way. Good-by;" and refusing to take the slightest compensation for coming over as a witness, he shook hands with Mr.

Wright and the lads and departed.

Budd spoke a few words in a low tone to his partner; then he said to Mr.

Wright:

"Can you go over to the island with us? There is something special we wish to talk over with you."

"My man is down here with me, and can drive the team along to 'The Hummocks' and wait for me there, if you will put me ash.o.r.e after this matter is talked over," answered Mr. Wright.

The lads consented to that arrangement gladly, and a few minutes later, with Mr. Wright on board the sloop with them, they sailed for home.

As soon as they were a short distance off sh.o.r.e, Budd left his partner to look out for the boat, and in low tones told Mr. Wright the true story of his father's trial and imprisonment. He then related Judd's and his own experience with Bagsley and his companions, and stated that this was the real purpose that called him over to Hope Island.

"Why didn't you tell this in the court-room? It would have acquitted you," said Mr. Wright, in astonishment.

"Because the burglars are still around here contemplating some more daring crime, and we are watching for them, and hope to cause their arrest," explained Budd, going on to relate how he believed this would react in his father's favor.

"What we want of you," continued Budd, "is to come over to the island and see the window, with its cut pane, and the lantern the burglars left behind, so that you can testify as to these facts at the trial before the higher court."

A few moments later the island was reached, and Mr. Wright was taken from point to point, the whole story of that night's experience was told anew, and the evidence of it exhibited.

"I wish you all success in your plans," Mr. Wright said, as he got into the yawl to be taken over to "The Hummocks," where they could see his team was already waiting. "But don't run into any danger; and as soon as you locate the rascals, notify the authorities without waiting for them to commit any other crime. Their visit here and over at Hope Island is enough to send them up for a long term of years."

As he parted with them on the main sh.o.r.e he said to Budd:

"I ought to tell you that for a few minutes I hesitated about becoming your bondsman, and Mr. Benton's act led me to a decision. I now thoroughly believe in your and your father's innocence, and shall stand by you, whatever comes. Only, look out for Mr. Benton."

"What does he mean?" asked Judd, as the sloop started down the bay to visit the pounds, which the incidents of the morning had till then prevented.

"He is sure Mr. Benton did not sign my bond from any good motive; and I confess it does seem queer, come to think of it. What do you suppose he is up to?"

"I don't know any more than you do," responded his chum; "but, like Mr.

Wright, I distrust him. And there is one thing you may be sure of. If he is up to any game he will show himself very soon; he isn't going to give you time to run away and make him pay that thousand dollars. You see, he don't know Mr. Wright signed the bond also, for he had left the court-room before that was done."

"That's so," said Budd, thoughtfully; "and I think, with you, we shall hear from him before a great while, if his act sprung from any sinister motive."

"There is your man," Judd announced a few hours later, as they approached their wharf; and Mr. Benton was indeed sitting on the dock, awaiting their coming.

"How are you, boys, and what luck with your fish?" he remarked pleasantly, as they came ash.o.r.e.

The young partners responded good-naturedly, and he watched them as they sorted and put their fish into the "cars."