“Look here, Randolph,” he said, “I don’t like Luke overmuch, and I know he doesn’t like me, but I don’t believe he’s a thief, and I am sorry he is in trouble.”

“Then you are no friend of mine,” said Randolph, looking black.

“Oh, I say, Randolph, you know better than that.  Haven’t I always stood up for you, and done whatever you wanted me to?”

“If you were my friend you wouldn’t stand up for Luke.”

“I am not a friend of his, and I am a friend of yours, but I don’t want him to go to prison.”

“I do, if he deserves it.”

“I don’t believe he does deserve it.”

“That is what I complain of in you.”

“The fact is, Randolph, you expect too much.  If you want to break friendship, all right.”

Randolph was amazed at this unexpected independence on the part of one whom he regarded as his bond slave; but, being hardly prepared to part with him, especially as his other follower, Tom Harper, had partially thrown off his allegiance, thought it prudent to be satisfied with Sam’s expressions of loyalty, even if they did not go as far as he wished.

Randolph missed Luke at school on the day after the trial.  Of course, he had no idea that our hero was out of school, and hastily concluded that on account of his trial he was ashamed to show himself.

“I don’t wonder he doesn’t want to show himself,” he remarked to Tom Harper.

“Why not?  He has been acquitted.”

“Never mind.  He has been under arrest, and may yet be guilty in spite of his acquittal.  Have you seen him to-day?”

“No.”

“Probably he is hiding at home.  Well, it shows some sort of shame.”

On his way home from school Randolph was destined to be surprised.  Not far from his own house he met Luke, arrayed in his new suit, with a chain that looked like gold crossing his waistcoat.  Instead of looking confused and ashamed, Luke looked uncommonly bright and cheerful.

Randolph was amazed.  What could it all mean?  He had intended not to notice Luke, but to pass him with a scornful smile, but his curiosity got the better of him.

“Why were you not at school to-day?” he asked, abruptly.

Luke smiled.

“I didn’t think you would miss me, Randolph.”

“I didn’t, but wondered at your absence.”

“I was detained by business.  I expect to have the pleasure of seeing you there to-morrow.”

“Humph!  You seem to have invested in a new suit.”

“Yes; my old suit was getting decidedly shabby, as you kindly remarked at Florence Grant’s party.”

“Where did you get them?”

“In New York.”

“In New York!” repeated Randolph, in surprise.  “When did you go there?”

“This morning.  It was that which detained me from school.”

“I see you’ve got a new watch-chain, too.”

Randolph emphasized the word “chain” satirically, being under the impression that no watch was attached.