LINK SMITH'S CONFESSION


For a moment there was a painful pause and the Rover boys looked at
each other and at Captain Putnam in perplexity.

"Does this mean that we must go to jail?" demanded Tom.

"I don't think it will be necessary to hold them," came from Captain
Putnam. "Squire Haggerty, I presume you know who I am."

"Yes, sir, Captain Putnam of Putnam Hall."

"Then you will, of course, let me go on a bail bond for these three
pupils of mine."

"If ye care to do it, captain."

"Certainly. I am convinced that they are innocent. Why, it is
preposterous to think that they would break into such a shop and rob it
of a hundred and sixty dollars' worth of goods. They are rich young
gentlemen, of a high-standing family, and each has all the spending
money he needs."

"I see, I see."

"Well, it ain't nuthin' to me what they be, so long as I git my goods
back," growled Aaron Fairchild. "I ain't got nuthin' against 'em
personally, especially if they are innocent."