Page:Caroline Lockhart--The full of the Moon.djvu/257

 court-room cleared of this groundless and heinous charge!"

"Heinous charge!" The words and ensuing applause reached through the judge's slumbers to his befogged brain.

He sat up with a snort and rapped for order, inadvertently shoving one of his volumes to the floor. Bob picked it up and read: "Year-book of the Department of Agriculture, 1892."

"Heinous charge," reiterated the judge, "and hangin'sh too good for him!"

Fritz Poth stepped forward once more and slipped his hand under his honor's arm.

"Your bed's made up for you. Bill, and you'd better git to it. Young feller," he addressed Bob, "reckon I voice the sentiments of this here community when I says turn the prisoner loose?"

A yell of approval all but lifted the roof.

"Congratulations, Bob," Nan smiled radiantly as she extended her hand, "upon winning your first case."