“Now,” said the Doctor, and we both started at the firm, sonorous tones, “speak out frankly, sir. This is no time for trying to conceal the truth so as to screen your friend, for I tell you that it would be an unkind act, and you would be injuring his future by such a mistaken policy. Tell me, did you know that the watch was hidden there?”
Mercer was silent.
“Speak, sir,” cried the Doctor. “I insist!”
“No, sir,” faltered Mercer, after another appealing look at me; and in my agony, as I heard his words, I started forward.
“Burr junior!” roared the Doctor; and I stopped as if fascinated.
“Now, Mercer,” he continued, “tell me. Did you know that your school-fellow had that watch in his possession?”
“Oh no, sir!” cried Mercer eagerly. “I’m sure he hadn’t.”
“Humph!” ejaculated the Doctor. “That will do.—I wish, gentlemen,” he continued, turning to the two masters, “to make this painful business as short as possible.”
I turned to him quickly, and as I met his eyes, I thought at first that he was looking at me sadly and pityingly, but his face was very stern next moment.
“You are sure, Thomas Mercer,” he said, “that you did not know the watch was in that bin—hidden away?”