CHAPTER TWO

_The Visit to the Police Court_

Toward school time a group of boys hurrying by on the way to the school room, caught sight of Tim in the sunshine on the steps. One of them called out:

“Hello, Tim! Heard about Alex? He’s down to the Avenue Station. Got pinched last night.”

The little lad made no answer, but the words had reached the ear of his mother, who was busy setting the house in order, and happened to be close to the open window. Mrs. Rudiger had been anxious all morning. Alex had never before remained away over night without permission. Her anxiety had grown steadily, and she was not without foreboding of