"You'll have to look sharp if you want a dip, Brady," called Green. "Andy'll be round in a minute, I expect."
"Thanks! I'm not bathing to-day," was the response.
Just then Escombe Trevelyan, who was swimming lazily about, landed at the steps close by, and beckoned Jack to come nearer.
"I want to hear the truth of this affair, Brady," he began in a confidential undertone. "Did you see it happen?"
"Which part? I saw the March Hare leap in with his hat on his head and his towel on his arm. He did look properly mad, I can tell you!"
"I mean before that, when Toppin went under."
"They say he actually took a dive from the board, don't they?"
"Yes, but I want to get hold of someone who saw it. I can't understand his being such an absolute little fool, and I can't worry the kid himself about it just at present."
So saying, Escombe swam off once more.
Armitage was the next to approach Jack. He looked rather pale, but began by talking rapidly about a paper-chase that was being planned. Jack knew well enough that this was not what he wanted to talk about, but he walked away from the bath with him, still pleasantly discussing starts and times, till they found themselves alone on the stone stairs. Then Armitage came to a stand-still, and his tone changed.