Page 112 - An Amateur Fireman

CHAPTER XV.

THE TRIAL.

The door-keeper of the court attempted to check the rush which began with the entrance of Seth, Dan, and
Bill; but it was impossible because of his delay.

He had at first objected to admitting the amateur fireman and his partner, but they speedily proved they were
entitled to enter, by producing the subpoenas, and as he stepped aside for them to go in, the following came on
with a rush as powerful as it was unexpected.

The official would have swept down upon the offenders and literally dragged them out, but that 'Lish Davis,
who was standing just inside the door, said with a laugh:

"I don't reckon you've got time to sort 'em, Mr. Officer. A kid is to be tried for arson this morning, and more'n
likely as not half the crowd has been summoned as witnesses, for it's only through his acquaintances that
anything can be proven."

The door-keeper looked for an instant at the buzzing throng which had settled down upon the front seats, and,
understanding what a difficult task he might be setting himself, evidently decided that Mr. Davis was in the
right.

Sam Barney already sat on the front row of seats allotted to spectators when Mrs. Hanson's lodgers entered,
and although Seth would have been better pleased to remain at a greater distance from the would-be detective,
Bill Dean forced him along until they were directly behind Jip's enemy.

"Don't speak to him," Seth whispered. "I'm sorry we're so near the duffer."

"It's jest where I counted on gettin'," Bill replied, in a tone of satisfaction. "I won't have any row with the
chump, but only shake him up a bit."

"If we make any noise, all hands will be fired out."

"Watch an' see how quiet I'll be," Master Dean replied, and then before his companion could check him, he
had leaned over and whispered in Sam's ear: "Be mighty careful you tell the truth in this court, or I'll let out to
the judge what you did in Philadelphy, an' then perhaps Jip Collins won't be the only prisoner 'round here."

Master Barney turned quickly, and an expression of disquiet came over his face as he saw who were directly
behind him.

He did not venture to make any remark, nor did Bill think it wise to repeat the threat; but he shook his fist
warningly, which served the same purpose.

"Be quiet," Seth whispered imploringly. "It would be terrible if we got into a row here, for Mr. Davis is
standing close by the door watchin' us."

"I won't do a thing till we get outside, unless it happens that I have to tell the judge 'bout Sam's borrowin' that
money," Master Dean replied in a tone sufficiently loud to be heard by the alleged detective.

Then the attention of all the sidewalk merchants was attracted to the opposite side of the room by Dan
Roberts, who whispered loudly, pointing with outstretched finger: