The Grammar School Boys of Gridley | Page 8

broad-backed policeman started off with two savage
prisoners in tow.
"Say, if we're to have any dinner and get back to school on time, we'll
have to be moving fast," declared Dan Dalzell.

"I thought we were surely going to get into a lot of trouble," muttered
Hazelton, as the youngsters moved along rapidly. "But Whalen knew
his business."
"I hope the judge can send that Dexter fellow up for a good, long time,"
muttered Dick. "He's been annoying that poor woman all the time
lately."
"Just because she has her grandfather's money at last," grumbled Dave
Darrin.
Soon the youngsters came to a point where they had to separate. But all
hands were back at school on time. The work of the afternoon was duly
progressing when the telephone bell at the principal's desk rang.
Old Dut held what proved to be a mysterious conversation for a few
moments. Then he wound up with:
"All right. I'll send them right over."
Ringing off, Old Dut glanced at Dick.
"Master Prescott, it appears that you, Darrin, Reade, Holmes, Dalzell
and Hazelton saw some trouble on the street this noon."
"Yes, sir."
"All six of you are wanted, at once, down at court, to give evidence.
You are excused. If you get through at court early enough, come back
to finish your afternoon's work."
Six Grammar School boys rose and filed out quietly. How enviously
the other boys in the room stared after them! How curiously the girls
glanced at the young heroes who were now wanted on the government's
business!
"Say," ventured Dan as soon as they got outside, "I hope the judge
orders Dexter hanged."

"He'll hardly do that," retorted Dave. "A street row is hardly a hanging
offense. If it were, there'd be a lot of fellows missing from the Central
Grammar School."
"So we're called in to help decide the case?" asked Greg, puffing up.
"Oh, get busy with some brains!" scoffed Dick airily. "We haven't
anything to do with deciding the case. That's what the judge is paid for.
But we're wanted just to tell what we know. Say, you fellows, be
careful you don't get so rattled that you try to tell a lot of things that
you don't know."
In due time they reached the court building. Grown suddenly very quiet
and almost scared, these six thirteen-year-old boys filed upstairs. A
policeman stood before the door of the courtroom.
"May we go in?" whispered Dick.
"Of course," nodded the policeman. "Take your hats off."
The officer conducted the sextette of young witnesses inside, past a
group or two of loungers who made up the usual police-court audience,
and thence on before the bench.
At one side, at this end of the room, sat Dexter and Driggs. Right in
front of the clerk of the court were seated Mrs. Dexter and a lawyer.
Officer Whalen lounged near the two prisoners.
"These are the lads, your honor," nodded Policeman Whalen, after
giving Dick & Co. a keen looking over.
"Swear them, Mr. Clerk," said the Justice.
Solemnly the six youngsters held up their right hands and took the oath.
Then Justice Lee began to question them. From Dick, first, he drew out
the story of the dispute in the street. Then the others told the same
story.
"Why did you boys interfere?" asked the justice of Prescott.

"Because, sir," Dick answered, "we didn't want to see a woman
ill-treated on the street."
"A very good reason," nodded Justice Lee approvingly. "But weren't
you afraid of Driggs, here, who is really a police officer?"
"No, sir; I didn't believe that a police officer had any more right than
any one else to break the law."
"You boys have acted very sensibly," nodded Justice Lee. "Dexter, do
you wish to question any of these young witnesses?"
Dexter shook his head, scowling.
"Do you, Driggs?"
"No, your honor. 'Twouldn't be any use."
"You're right about that, I imagine," nodded the justice. "Boys, the
court wishes to express its pleasure over your good sense, and to praise
you for your chivalry and courage. You did just right--as the court
hopes you will always do under similar circumstances. Dexter, stand up.
Driggs, also."
The two prisoners arose, sullen enough in their appearance.
"Dexter, you have been guilty of disturbing the peace. I do not believe
a mere fine sufficient in your case. I therefore sentence you to serve
thirty days in jail. Driggs, your primary offense was about as great as
Dexter's, but your offense is worse, for you are a police officer, and you
tried to throw the strength of your position around the acts of the
prisoner. The court therefore sentences you to sixty days in jail."
"We both wish to appeal, your honor," cried Dexter, his face aflame.
"Dexter's bail will