Ben was silent.

“And we beat him for it, didn’t we, Ben?”

“Yes,” said Ben.

“There now you see, my boy!  I would be glad to believe you; but here are two witnesses against you! two young gentlemen of rank, who would not stoop to falsehood!” said the gentleman sadly.

“Sir,” replied Ishmael calmly, “be pleased to listen to me, while I tell you what really happened.  When you left me in charge of this horse I led him to this stream and gave him water, and I was rubbing him down with a handful of fresh dock-leaves when these two young gentlemen came up.  And the elder one proposed to help himself to the contents of the hamper.  But the younger one would not agree to the plan.  And I, for my part, told him to let the things alone.  But he wouldn’t mind me.  I insisted, but he laughed at me and helped himself to the oranges, figs, walnuts, and raisins.  I told him to put them back directly; but he wouldn’t.  And then I struck him and collared him, sir; for I thought it was my duty to fight for the property that had been left in my care.  But he was bigger than I was, and his brother came to help him, and they were too many for me, and between them they threw me down.  And then you came up.  And that is the whole truth, sir.”

“It isn’t! it isn’t!  He stole the things, and now he wants to lay it on us! that is the worst of all!  But we can prove that he did it, because we are two witnesses against one!” said Master Alfred excitedly.

“Yes; that is the worst of all, my boy; it was bad to take the things, but you were tempted by hunger; it was worse to deny the act, but you were tempted by fear; it is the worst of all to try to lay your fault upon the shoulders of others.  I fear I shall be obliged to punish you,” said the gentleman.

“Sir, punish me for the loss of the fruit if you please; but believe me; for I speak the truth,” said Ishmael firmly.

At that moment he felt a little soft hand steal into his own, and heard a gentle voice whisper in his ear: 

“I believe you, poor boy, if they don’t.”

He turned, and saw at his side the little orphan girl in deep mourning.  She was a stately little lady, with black eyes and black ringlets, and with the air of a little princess.

“Come, Claudia!  Come away, my love,” said the lady, who had just arrived at the spot.

“No, aunt, if you please; I am going to stand by this poor boy here!  He has got no friend!  He is telling the truth, and nobody will believe him!” said the little girl, tossing her head, and shaking back her black ringlets haughtily.

It was easy to see that this little lady had had her own royal will, ever since she was one day old, and cried for a light until it was brought.

“Claudia, Claudia, you are very naughty to disobey your aunt,” said the gentleman gravely.

The little lady lifted her jetty eyebrows in simple surprise.