His face was very gentle as he went back to the dining-room. As soon as the meal was over, he turned to Billy.
"Come to the office a minute, Billy," he said.
With a look of wonder on his face, Billy followed him to the door. When they were alone, the doctor spoke.
"Billy," he said quietly; "Phebe says you were at the barn, this morning."
"So I was," he answered.
"That you were the only one who went there."
"How does she know?" Billy asked easily, for as yet he did not see whither the doctor's questions were leading.
"Did you see Vigil?"
Then, of a sudden, the truth burst on the boy, and he flushed with anger. The doctor saw his heightened color, and mistook it for guilt.
"And I trusted you so, Billy," he said sorrowfully.