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30 CHAPTER IV.

FRANKLIN MAKES A FRIEND.

the moment Franklin Bell did not know what to do. For the first time in his life he stood accused of a crime.

When Mrs. Mace ordered her husband to send for a policeman and have the young electrician arrested, Franklin stood at the gate, unable to move. But when Mr. Mace moved off to do as requested, the youth caught him fiercely by the arm.

"Don't—don't do it, Mr. Mace!" he gasped. "I am innocent, and—and I won't stand being arrested."

"You won't, eh?" sneered the man.

"No, sir. I didn't see the rings, and it isn't fair to treat me in this manner."

"That remains to be seen. You don't deny you were in the room?"

"No, Sir, but I did not touch the things excepting to pick up what I mentioned."

"Do you think you can make me believe my wife allowed that casket to remain open on the chair?" demanded Mr. Mace, coldly.