"
Cassey, utterly broken, fell on his knees at this and fairly begged
for mercy. He stuttered so horribly that the boys would have had to
laugh if it had not been for the tragedy of the wretched creature
groveling in such abasement.
Miss Berwick intervened and held a conference with her lawyer in
a low voice.
"Well," said the latter finally, "of course, if you refuse to make
a charge against him, there's nothing to do but to let him go,
though he ought to be sent to jail as a warning to others. Get up,
you worm," he continued, addressing Cassey, "and thank your stars
that Miss Berwick's generosity keeps you from getting the punishment
you so richly deserve."
They left him there in his shame and disgrace, and went back to their
car, after Mr. Brandon had warned the rascal that any repetition of
his minor offense would bring down swift penalty, from the government.
It was a happy party that rode back to Clintonia. There were tears
in Miss Berwick's eyes as she thanked again and again the boys who
for the second time had done her such a signal service. And Bob and
Joe had a Sense of satisfaction and exhilaration that was beyond
all words to express.
On their way they passed through Ocean Point, a summer colony where
many of the residents of Clintonia had cottages. It was on the
seashore and every foot of it was familiar to the boys, whose own
parents spent a part of the summer there every year.
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