“I was not,” answered Duncan, in a low voice, with his eyes fixed on the floor.
“It would be better to confess honestly than to persist in a lie, Peck,” continued Mr. Alsop, in a judicial manner.
Duncan did not reply. His head was turned away.
“The fact is bound to come out, whether you admit it or not.”
“What fact?”
“The fact that you were in Boston Saturday night. I saw you there with my own eyes just as you were entering the Colonial Theatre!”
Duncan drew a long breath, and waited an artistic interval before replying. “I suppose if you saw me—” he began.
“If I saw you, what, Peck?” prompted the teacher, gently.
“If I should confess, should I get off any easier?”
“I can make no promises. The faculty would doubtless give the fact consideration. You have been a long time in school.”