CHAPTER XVII.
TOM'S ARREST.
To one who is scrupulously honest a sudden charge of dishonesty isalmost overwhelming. Now, Tom was honest, not so much because he hadbeen taught that honesty was a virtue, as by temperament and instinct.Yet here he saw himself surrounded by hostile faces, for a crowd sooncollected. Not one believed in his innocence, not even the lady, whothought it was such a pity that he was "so young and yet so wicked."
"Will somebody call a policeman?" asked Vincent.
A policeman soon made his appearance. He was a stout, burly man, andpushed his way through the crowd without ceremony.
"What's the row?" he inquired.
"This boy has picked a lady's pocket," exclaimed Vincent.
The officer placed his hand roughly on Tom's shoulder.
"You were a little too smart, young feller!" said he. "You must comealong with me."
"I didn't take the money," protested Tom, pale, but in a firm voice.
"That's too thin," said Vincent, with a sneer.
"Yes, it's too thin," repeated two or three in the crowd.
"It's true," said Tom.
"Perhaps you'll tell us how the money came in your pocket," suggested abystander.
"That man put it in," answered Tom, indicating Vincent.
The latter shrugged his shoulders.
"He says so, because I exposed him," he remarked, turning to the crowd.
"Of course; that's a common game," interposed the policeman.
"Have you any reason for what you say, my boy?" asked a quiet-lookingman, with a pleasant face.
"Of course he hasn't," replied Vincent hastily.
"I spoke to the boy, sir."
"I have a reason," answered Tom. "A friend of this man roomed with me atPittsburg, and during the night tried to rob me. We were both passengerson the _River Belle_ on the last trip. During the trip he entered ourstateroom, and stole a wallet from my roommate. This man slyly put itinto my pocket, in order to escape suspicion."
"It's a lie!" exclaimed Vincent uneasily. "Gentlemen, the boy is veryartful, and the greatest liar out."
"Of course he is!" assented the policeman. "Come along, young feller!"
"Wait a minute," said the quiet man. "Have you any proof of yourstatements, my boy, except your own word?"
"Yes, sir; my roommate will tell you the same thing."
"Who is he? Where can he be found?"
"He is Mr. Nicholas Waterbury, of Marietta. He is now at the BurnetHouse."
"That's all gammon!" said the officer roughly. "Come along. I can't waithere all day."
"Don't be in a hurry, officer," said the quiet man. "I know Mr.Waterbury, and I believe the boy's story is correct."
"It ain't any of your business!" said the officer insolently. "The boy'sa thief, and I'm goin' to lock him up."
"Look out, sir!" said the quiet man sternly. "You are overstepping thelimits of your duty, and asserting what you have no possible means ofknowing. There is reason to believe that this man"--pointing outVincent--"is the real thief. I call upon you to arrest him."
"I don't receive no orders from you, sir," said the policeman. "I'm morelikely to take you along."
"That's right, officer," said Vincent approvingly. "The man isinterfering with you in the exercise of your duty. You have a perfectright to arrest him."
"I have a great mind to," said the officer, who was one of the many whoare puffed up by a little brief authority, and lose no opportunity ofexercising it.
The quiet man did not seem in the least alarmed. He smiled, and said,"Perhaps, officer, it might be well for you to inquire my name, beforeproceeding to arrest me."
"Who are you?" demanded the officer insolently.
"I am Alderman Morris."
A great change came over the policeman. He knew now that the quiet manbefore him was President of the Board of Aldermen, and he began to bealarmed, remembering with what rudeness he had treated him.
"I beg your pardon, sir," he said humbly; "I didn't know you."
"What is your name, sir?" demanded the alderman, in a tone of authority.
"Jones, sir."
"How long have you been on the force?"
"Six months, your honor."
"Then you ought to be better fitted for your position by this time."
"I hope you won't take no offense at what I said, not knowing you,alderman."
"That's no personal offense, but I object to your pronouncing upon theguilt of parties arrested when you know nothing of the matter."
"Shall I take the boy along, sir?"
"Yes, and this man also. I don't wish to interfere with the exercise ofjustice, but it is my opinion that the boy is innocent."
"I protest against this outrage," said Vincent nervously. "Am I to bepunished because I expose a thief?"
"Come along, sir," said the policeman. "The alderman says so."
"I appeal to the gentlemen present," said Vincent, hoping for a forcibledeliverance.
"Madam," said the alderman to the lady who had been robbed, "did you seethe boy take your pocketbook?"
"No, sir! I thought it was the man, till he told me it was the boy, andthe money was found on the boy."
"I should think that told the story," said Vincent. "Any man here mightbe arrested as soon as I. Fellow citizens, is this a free country, wherea man of reputation can be summarily arrested at the bidding of another?If so, I would rather live under a monarchy."
There was a murmur of approval, and some sympathy was excited.
"There will be no injustice done, sir," said the alderman. "I propose tofollow up this matter myself. I will see my friend, Mr. Waterbury, andI can soon learn whether the boy's story is correct."
"He may lie, too!" said Vincent, who had very good reasons for fearingMr. Waterbury's testimony.
"Mr. Waterbury is a gentleman of veracity," said Alderman Morrissharply. "I see you recognize the name."
"Never heard of him," said Vincent. "I suppose it is one of the boy'sconfederates."
"I will answer for him," said the alderman. "My boy," he said, "I hopewe shall be able to prove your innocence. Be under no anxiety. Go withthe officer, and I will seek out Mr. Waterbury. Officer, take care totreat him gently."
"All right, sir."
There was no fear now that Tom would be roughly treated. He had too muchregard for his own interest, and his tenure of office, to disoblige aman so influential and powerful as Alderman Morris.
Notwithstanding there had been such a turn in his favor, Tom felthumiliated to feel that he was under restraint, and his cheeks burnedwith shame as he walked beside the officer. Vincent, upon the otherside, gnashed his teeth with rage, as he thought of his unexpecteddetention. Just as revenge was in his grasp, he had been caught in thesame trap which he had so willingly set for Tom.
"That Alderman Morris is a fool!" he said. "He isn't fit to be inoffice."
"Don't you say nothin' against him!" said the policeman. "It won't bebest for you. He's one of our leadin' citizens, Alderman Morris is."
"He snubbed you!" sneered Vincent. "He talked to you as if you were adog."
"No, he didn't. You'd better shut up, prisoner."
"Oh, well, if you're willing to be trampled upon, it isn't any of mybusiness. I wouldn't stand it, alderman or no alderman. Such thingswouldn't be allowed in New York, where I live."
"Oh, New York's a model city, so I've heard," retorted the policeman, ina tone of sarcasm. "We don't pretend to come up to New York."
Finding that nothing was to be gained by continuing his attacks uponthe alderman, Vincent became silent; but his brain was active. He feltthat Mr. Waterbury's testimony would be fatal to him. He must escape, ifpossible. Soon a chance came. He seized his opportunity, shook off thegrasp of the officer, and darted away. Not knowing what to do with Tom,who was also under arrest, the officer paused an instant, then, leavingour hero, hastened in pursuit.
"Now's your chance to escape, boy!" said a sympathetic bystander to
him.
"I don't want to escape," answered Tom. "I want my innocence proved. Ishall stay where I am till the officer returns."
And he kept his word. Ten minutes later the officer came back, puffingand panting, after an unsuccessful pursuit; prepared to find Tom gonealso.
"What, are you there?" he asked, staring in wonder.
"Yes," said Tom; "I don't want to escape. I shall come out right."
"I believe you will," said the officer, with a revulsion of sentiment inTom's favor. "Just walk along beside me, and I won't take hold of you.I'm not afraid of your running away now."