"Only last night, sir. Another boy was with us then," said Ned.
"Who was he?" "I can't tell you, sir."
"Williams, you may go now. I will see you later."
After the door had closed on Williams, the doctor turned again to Barstow, and said:
"Barstow, I have always felt that I could rely upon your influence with the younger boys being for good. Now, I find you aiding to upset the whole discipline of the school by this camping affair. I hope there has been nothing worse. You know I never insist on tale-bearing regarding mere boyish escapades, but I would like to know if there was any other reason for your refusing to give up your companion's name."
"Yes, sir, there was. We had a chicken for supper, that was taken from Farmer Field's poultry-house."
"Did you or Williams steal that chicken, Barstow?"
"No, sir, but we knew about it and helped eat it, and are just as much to blame as the boy who took it."
"And, now, you mean to protect the thief?"
"Well, you see, Doctor, a good many fellows don't look at hooking apples, or nuts, or chickens as real stealing."