"You refuse that name?" he asked after a while.
"Yes, sir."
"You have no other explanation to offer?"
"Most certainly!"
"Ah!" smiled Mr. Axim, and then, sotto voce, "More lies, I suppose. Hear him!"
"Then let me hear it."
"These fires have naturally upset Ranleigh fellows. We felt it a duty to discover the culprit. We decided to watch the premises during the night. Masters and I were on duty at eleven to-night. You will find him down in the far corridor."
Mr. Axim's face fell. The Head's took on a happier expression.
"Fetch him here, please," he said, turning to the master. "We will wait for your return. Be quick, please."
He aimlessly turned over the papers on his table while Mr. Axim was absent. But very soon the latter was back, bringing a very startled young fellow with him.