It's a shame he has to stay in the lockup all this time, waiting for his trial to come off." The chums exchanged quick looks.
"How about it, do we go along, Hugh ?" asked Thad.
For answer the other hopped up alongside the deacon, and, of course, Thad did likewise.

Since the Disney home was not far away they were quickly at the door, and knocking for admittance.
Leon's mother answered the summons.

She looked frightened at seeing the huge bulk of the blacksmith there, and the two boys with him.
But no sooner had he spoken in his kindly fashion than the anxious expression fled from her pale face.
"Please excuse me for dropping in on you, Mrs.Disney," said the deacon, after they had been ushered into the humble sitting-room, where a wood-fire burned on the hearth; "but I just couldn't stand it any longer.

I want to stand bail for your boy, so you can have him home again with you till his trial comes off." Leon's mother looked embarrassed.

She twisted her apron in her nervous fingers, and seemed very near the point of tears.
"Oh! it's kind of you, Deacon Winslow, indeed it is!" she finally exclaimed, as she looked up at the smiling, sympathetic big man; "but, after all I think it is better that Leon remained where he is though it almost breaks my heart to say it." Thad looked astonished, but Hugh nodded his head, as though he could understand what was back of those words so strange for a mother to speak.