"Certainly a remarkable story," mused Doctor Wallington, when the oldest Rover had finished, "And you mean to say you did not drink any of the liquor?"
"Not a drop, sir; and neither did the others,"
"And this vapor? What was it, and how do you account for it?" The doctor's tones were very sceptical.
"I can't account for it, excepting by thinking it was part of a plot against us."
"Hum!" The doctor turned to Stanley. "Have you anything to add to
Rover's story?"
"Nothing, sir, excepting that it is absolutely true, Doctor
Wellington."
After this the boys were questioned for the best part of an hour, but without shaking their testimony in the least. Then Songbird was called in, and he told what he knew.
"If your story is true, it is a most extraordinary occurrence," said the head of Brill at last. "But I must confess that I can scarcely credit such a tale. However, I will, for the time being, give you the benefit of the doubt, and in the meantime make some investigations on my own account. If I find you have not told the truth I shall dismiss you from the college. Do you understand that?"
To this the students bowed.
"One thing more. All of you may return to your classes but Thomas
Rover. He has an extra charge against him, that of assaulting
Professor Sharp. Thomas Rover, you will remain here. The rest of you
can go."