CHAPTER XVII. DICK'S ACQUITTAL.

 After his interview with Mr. Murdock and Henry Fosdick, Dick felt considerably¹ relieved. He not only saw that his friends were convinced of his innocence², but, through Tim Ryan's testimony³, he saw that there was a reasonable chance of getting clear. He had begun to set a high value on respectability, and he felt that now he had a character to sustain.

 

The night wore away at last. The pallet on which he lay was rather hard; but Dick had so often slept in places less comfortable that he cared little for that. When he woke up, he did not at first remember where he was, but he very soon recalled the circumstances, and that his trial was close at hand.

 

"I hope Mr. Murdock won't oversleep himself," thought our hero. "If he does, it'll be a gone case with me."

 

At an early hour the attendant of the police station went the rounds, and Dick was informed that he was wanted. Brief space was given for the arrangement of the toilet. In fact, those who avail themselves of the free lodgings⁴ provided at the station-house rarely pay very great attention to their dress or personal appearance. Dick, however, had a comb in his pocket, and carefully combed his hair. He also brushed off his coat as well as he could; he also critically inspected his shoes, not forgetting his old professional habits.

 

"I wish I had a brush and some blackin'," he said to himself. "My shoes would look all the better for a good shine."

 

But time was up, and, under the escort of a policeman, Dick was conveyed to the Tombs. Probably all my readers have heard of this building. It is a large stone building, with massive columns, broad on the ground, but low. It is not only used for a prison, but there are two rooms on the first floor used for the holding of courts. Into the larger one of these Dick was carried. He looked around him anxiously, and to his great joy perceived that not only Mr. Murdock was on hand, but honest Tim Ryan, whose testimony was so important to his defence. Dick was taken forward to the place provided for those awaiting trial, and was obliged to await his turn. One or two cases, about which there was no doubt, including the colored woman arrested for drunkenness, were summarily disposed of, and the next case was called. The policeman who had arrested Dick presented himself with our hero.

 

Dick was so neatly⁵ dressed, and looked so modest and self-possessed, that the judge surveyed him with some surprise.

 

"What is this lad charged with?" he demanded.

 

"With taking a wallet from a gentleman's pocket," said the policeman.

 

"Did you arrest him?"

 

"I did."

 

"Did you take him in the act?"

 

"No; I did not see him take it."

 

"What have you to say, prisoner? Are you guilty or not guilty?" said the judge, turning to Dick.

 

"Not guilty," said Dick, quietly.

 

"State why you made the arrest," said the judge.

 

"I saw him with the wallet in his hand."

 

"Is the gentleman who had his pocket picked, present?"

 

"He is."

 

"Summon him."

 

The red-faced man came forward, and gave his testimony. He stated that he was standing⁶ on the sidewalk, when he felt a hand thrust into his pocket, and forcibly withdrawn⁷. He immediately felt for his wallet, and found it gone. Turning, he saw a boy running, and immediately gave chase.

 

"Was the boy you saw running the prisoner?"

 

"I suppose it was."

 

"You suppose? Don't you know?"

 

"Of course it was, or he would not have been found with the wallet in his hand."

 

"But you cannot identify him from personal observation?"

 

The red-faced man admitted with some reluctance⁸ that his eyesight was very poor, and he did not catch sight of the boy till he was too far off to be identified.

 

"This is not so clear as it might be," said the judge. "Still, appearances are against the prisoner, and as the wallet was found in his possession, he must be found guilty, unless that fact can be satisfactorily explained."

 

"I have a witness who can explain it," said Dick.

 

"Where is he?"

 

Tim Ryan, who understood that his evidence was now wanted, came forward.

 

After being sworn, the judge asked, "What is your name?"

 

"Tim Ryan, sir."

 

"Where do you live?"

 

"In Mulberry Street."

 

"Tell what you know of this case."

 

"I was standing in Chatham Street, when I saw the ould gintleman with the red face (here the prosecutor⁹ scowled¹⁰ at Tim, not relishing¹¹ the description which was given of him) standing at the corner of Pearl Street. A boy came up, and put his hand into his pocket, and then run away as fast as his legs could carry him, wid the wallet in his hand."

 

"Who was this boy? Do you know him?"

 

"Yes, sir."

 

"Tell his name."

 

"It was Micky Maguire," said Tim, reluctantly.

 

"And who is Micky Maguire?"

 

"He blacks boots."

 

"Then if this Micky Maguire took the wallet, how happened it that it was found in this boy's possession?"

 

"I can tell that," said Tim. "I ran after Micky to see if he'd get off wid the wallet. He hadn't gone but a little way when I saw him slip it into Dick's pocket."

 

"I suppose you mean by Dick, the prisoner at the bar?"

 

"Yes, sir."

 

"And what became of this Micky?"

 

"He stopped runnin' after he'd got rid of the pocket-book, and a minute after, up came the 'copp,' and took Dick."

 

"Why didn't you come forward, and explain the mistake?"

 

"I was afraid Micky'd beat me."

 

"Do you know this Micky Maguire?" said the judge, turning to the officer.

 

"I do."

 

"What is his reputation?"

 

"Bad. He's been at the Island three or four times already."

 

"Did you see him anywhere about when you made the arrest?"

 

"I did."

 

"Do you know this boy who has just testified?"

 

"Yes. He is a good boy."

 

"The case seems a clear one. The prisoner is discharged from custody¹². Arrest Micky Maguire on the same charge as early as possible."

 

The next case was called, and Dick was free.

 

Mr. Murdock came forward, and took him by the hand, which he shook heartily¹³.

 

"I congratulate you on your acquittal," he said.

 

"I feel a little better than I did," said Dick. "Tim, you're a good fellow," he said, clasping Tim's hand. "I wouldn't have got off, if it hadn't been for you."

 

"I ought to do that much for you, Dick, when you've been so kind to me."

 

"How are you getting along now, Tim?"

 

"Pretty well. Mother's got so she can work and we're doin' well. When she was sick, it was pretty hard."

 

"Here's something to help you along," said Dick, and he drew a bill from his pocket.

 

"Five dollars!" said Tim, in surprise.

 

"You can buy some new clothes, Tim."

 

"I ought not to take so much as that, Dick."

 

"It's all right, Tim. There's some more where that comes from."

 

They were in Centre Street by this time. Fosdick came up hurriedly.

 

"Have you got off, Dick?" he asked, eagerly.

 

"Yes, Fosdick. There's no chance of my being entertained at the expense of the city."

 

"I didn't expect the trial was coming off so early. Tell me all about it."

 

"What did they say at the house at my being away?" asked Dick.

 

"Miss Peyton inquired particularly after you. I said, as you directed me, that you were detained by important business."

 

"What did she say then?"

 

Dick was so particular in his inquiries¹⁴, fearing lest any suspicion should have been formed of the real cause which had detained him. There was no reason for it; but it had always been a matter of pride with him in his vagabond days that he had never been arrested on any charge, and it troubled him that he should even have been suspected of theft.

 

"You are fishing for compliments, Dick," said Fosdick.

 

"How do you make that out?"

 

"You want to know what Miss Peyton said. I believe you are getting interested in her."

 

"When I am, just send me to a lunatic asylum," said Dick.

 

"I am afraid you are getting sarcastic¹⁵, Dick. However, not to keep you in suspense¹⁶, Miss Peyton said that you were one of the wittiest¹⁷ young men she knew of, and you were quite the life of the house."

 

"I suppose I ought to blush," said Dick; "but I'm a prey¹⁸ to hunger just now, and it's too much of an effort."

 

"I'll excuse you this time," said Fosdick. "As to the hunger, that's easily remedied. We shall get home to breakfast, and be in good time too."

 

Fosdick was right. They were the first to seat themselves at the table. Mr. Clifton came in directly afterwards. Dick felt a momentary¹⁹ embarrassment²⁰.

 

"What would he say," thought our hero, "if he knew where I passed the night?"

 

"Good-morning, Hunter," said Clifton. "You didn't favor us with your presence at dinner last evening."

 

"No," said Dick. "I was absent on very important business."

 

"Dining with your friend, the mayor, probably?"

 

"Well, no, not exactly," said Dick, "but I had some business with the city government."

 

"It seems to me that you're getting to be quite an important character."

 

"Thank you," said Dick. "I am glad to find that genius is sometimes appreciated."

 

Here Miss Peyton entered.

 

"Welcome, Mr. Hunter," she said. "We missed you last evening."

 

"I hope it didn't affect your appetite much," said Dick.

 

"But it did. I appeal to Mr. Fosdick whether I ate anything to speak of."

 

"I thought Miss Peyton had a better appetite than usual," said Fosdick.

 

"That is too bad of you, Mr. Fosdick," said Miss Peyton. "I'm sure I didn't eat more than my canary bird."

 

"Just the way it affected²¹ me," said Dick. "It always improves my appetite to see you eat, Miss Peyton."

 

Miss Peyton looked as if she hardly knew whether to understand this remark as complimentary²² or otherwise.

 

That evening, at the dinner-table, Clifton drew a copy of the "Express" from his pocket, and said, "By Jove, Hunter, here's a capital joke on you! I'll read it. 'A boy, named Richard Hunter, was charged with picking a pocket on Chatham Street; but it appearing that the theft was committed by another party, he was released from custody.'"

 

Dick's heart beat a little quicker while this was being read, but he maintained his self-possession.

 

"Of course," said he, "that was the important business that detained me. But I hope you won't mention it, for the sake of my family."

 

"I'd make the young rascal²³ change his name, if I were you," said Clifton, "if he's going to get into the Police record."

 

"I think I shall," said Dick, "or maybe I'll change my own. You couldn't mention a highly respectable name that I could take,—could you?"

 

"Clifton is the most respectable name I know of," said the young gentleman owning that name.

 

"If you'll make me your heir, perhaps I'll adopt it."

 

"I'll divide my debts with you, and give you the biggest half," said Clifton.

 

It is unnecessary to pursue the conversation. Dick found to his satisfaction that no one at the table suspected that he was the Richard Hunter referred to in the "Express."

1 considerably   

adv.极大地；相当大地；在很大程度上

参考例句：

• The economic situation has changed considerably.经济形势已发生了相当大的变化。
• The gap has narrowed considerably.分歧大大缩小了。

2 innocence   

n.无罪；天真；无害

参考例句：

• There was a touching air of innocence about the boy.这个男孩有一种令人感动的天真神情。
• The accused man proved his innocence of the crime.被告人经证实无罪。

3 testimony   

n.证词；见证，证明

参考例句：

• The testimony given by him is dubious.他所作的证据是可疑的。
• He was called in to bear testimony to what the police officer said.他被传入为警官所说的话作证。

4 lodgings   

n. 出租的房舍, 寄宿舍

参考例句：

• When he reached his lodgings the sun had set. 他到达公寓房间时，太阳已下山了。
• I'm on the hunt for lodgings. 我正在寻找住所。

5 neatly   

adv.整洁地，干净地，灵巧地，熟练地

参考例句：

• Sailors know how to wind up a long rope neatly.水手们知道怎样把一条大绳利落地缠好。
• The child's dress is neatly gathered at the neck.那孩子的衣服在领口处打着整齐的皱褶。

6 standing   

n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的

参考例句：

• After the earthquake only a few houses were left standing.地震过后只有几幢房屋还立着。
• They're standing out against any change in the law.他们坚决反对对法律做任何修改。

7 withdrawn   

vt.收回；使退出；vi.撤退，退出

参考例句：

• Our force has been withdrawn from the danger area.我们的军队已从危险地区撤出。
• All foreign troops should be withdrawn to their own countries.一切外国军队都应撤回本国去。

8 reluctance   

n.厌恶，讨厌，勉强，不情愿

参考例句：

• The police released Andrew with reluctance.警方勉强把安德鲁放走了。
• He showed the greatest reluctance to make a reply.他表示很不愿意答复。

9 prosecutor   

n.起诉人；检察官，公诉人

参考例句：

• The defender argued down the prosecutor at the court.辩护人在法庭上驳倒了起诉人。
• The prosecutor would tear your testimony to pieces.检查官会把你的证言驳得体无完肤。

10 scowled   

怒视，生气地皱眉( scowl的过去式和过去分词 )

参考例句：

• He scowled his displeasure. 他满脸嗔色。
• The teacher scowled at his noisy class. 老师对他那喧闹的课堂板着脸。

11 relishing   

v.欣赏( relish的现在分词 )；从…获得乐趣；渴望

参考例句：

• He ate quietly, relishing his meal. 他安静地吃着，细细品味着食物。 来自辞典例句
• Yes, an iron rampart," he repeated, relishing his phrase. 是的，就是铜墙铁壁，"他很欣赏自己用的这个字眼，又重复了一遍。 来自飘（部分）

12 custody   

n.监护，照看，羁押，拘留

参考例句：

• He spent a week in custody on remand awaiting sentence.等候判决期间他被还押候审一个星期。
• He was taken into custody immediately after the robbery.抢劫案发生后，他立即被押了起来。

13 heartily   

adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很

参考例句：

• He ate heartily and went out to look for his horse.他痛快地吃了一顿，就出去找他的马。
• The host seized my hand and shook it heartily.主人抓住我的手，热情地和我握手。

14 inquiries   

n.调查( inquiry的名词复数 )；疑问；探究；打听

参考例句：

• He was released on bail pending further inquiries. 他获得保释，等候进一步调查。
• I have failed to reach them by postal inquiries. 我未能通过邮政查询与他们取得联系。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》

15 sarcastic   

adj.讥讽的，讽刺的，嘲弄的

参考例句：

• I squashed him with a sarcastic remark.我说了一句讽刺的话把他给镇住了。
• She poked fun at people's shortcomings with sarcastic remarks.她冷嘲热讽地拿别人的缺点开玩笑。

16 suspense   

n.（对可能发生的事）紧张感，担心，挂虑

参考例句：

• The suspense was unbearable.这样提心吊胆的状况实在叫人受不了。
• The director used ingenious devices to keep the audience in suspense.导演用巧妙手法引起观众的悬念。

17 wittiest   

机智的，言辞巧妙的，情趣横生的( witty的最高级 )

参考例句：

• One of the wittiest exemplars of the technique was M. C. Escher. 最为巧妙地运用那种技巧的一个典型人物就是M.C.埃舍尔。 来自柯林斯例句

18 prey   

n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨

参考例句：

• Stronger animals prey on weaker ones.弱肉强食。
• The lion was hunting for its prey.狮子在寻找猎物。

19 momentary   

adj.片刻的，瞬息的；短暂的

参考例句：

• We are in momentary expectation of the arrival of you.我们无时无刻不在盼望你的到来。
• I caught a momentary glimpse of them.我瞥了他们一眼。

20 embarrassment   

n.尴尬；使人为难的人(事物)；障碍；窘迫

参考例句：

• She could have died away with embarrassment.她窘迫得要死。
• Coughing at a concert can be a real embarrassment.在音乐会上咳嗽真会使人难堪。

21 affected   

adj.不自然的，假装的

参考例句：

• She showed an affected interest in our subject.她假装对我们的课题感到兴趣。
• His manners are affected.他的态度不自然。

22 complimentary   

adj.赠送的，免费的，赞美的，恭维的

参考例句：

• She made some highly complimentary remarks about their school.她对他们的学校给予高度的评价。
• The supermarket operates a complimentary shuttle service.这家超市提供免费购物班车。

23 rascal   

n.流氓；不诚实的人

参考例句：

• If he had done otherwise,I should have thought him a rascal.如果他不这样做，我就认为他是个恶棍。
• The rascal was frightened into holding his tongue.这坏蛋吓得不敢往下说了。