Robert Bright couldn't lie.

So brave and noble a boy is incapable of a falsehood.

Besides, I got a letter from my friend Squire Lee by this morning's mail, in which he informed me of my young friend's coming." Mr.Bayard took from his pocket a bundle of letters, and selected the squire's from among them.

Opening it, he read a passage which had a direct bearing upon the case before him.
"'I do not know what Bobby's faults are,'"-- the letter said,--"'but this I do know: that Bobby would rather be whipped than tell a lie.

He is noted through the place for his love of truth.'-- That is pretty strong testimony; and you see, Bobby,--that's what the squire calls you,--your reputation has preceded you." Bobby blushed, as he always did when he was praised, and Mr.Timmins was more abashed than ever.
"Did you hear that, Timmins?
Who is the liar now ?" said Mr.Bayard, turning to the culprit.
"Forgive me, sir, this time.