Lord Hastings turned to the engineer.
“Were you in the engine room when Thompson injured his hand?” he asked.
Smith shifted uneasily from one foot to the other.
“Yes, sir,” he replied at length.
“He says that a block fell on his hand. Is that true?”
“Well, sir, I—I——” stammered Smith.
“Come, sir, this is a serious matter,” said Lord Hastings sternly.
“No, sir, it isn’t true,” said Smith. “He——”
“That is enough,” said Lord Hastings. He turned to Black. “Thompson says you were there. Is it true that a block fell on his hand?”
“No, sir,” said Black. “He——”