“That will do. Now, Burr major, add what you told me this afternoon; but bear in mind, sir, that it is your duty to be very careful, for this is a charge of theft—of a crime sufficient almost to ruin a school-fellow’s career.”
Burr major spoke out quickly and eagerly, while I stood with my head down, feeling as if I were being involved in a tangle, out of which it seemed impossible to extricate myself.
“On the day I lost my watch, sir, Burr junior and Mercer were a good deal about near the tent. Burr junior would not play, because he said he had a bad headache, and Tom Mercer wouldn’t play either.”
“Well, sir?”
“I am very sorry to say it, sir,” continued Burr major hesitatingly. “It’s a very painful charge to make, and I never said anything before to-day, but I always suspected Burr junior of taking the watch.”
“Oh!” I ejaculated indignantly, as I faced round, but he did not meet my eye.
“And, pray, why?” said the Doctor.
“Because, please, sir, he seemed to be hanging about so near the tent.”
I began to feel more confused, especially as the Doctor said then,—
“Then now we will adjourn—to the loft.” I made a gesture as if to speak, but the Doctor raised his hand.