On entering it he closed the door, and questioned Paul minutely as to the cause of the accident. Paul explained to him what he had seen, the more readily because the little he had seen threw no particular blame on any one.
"And you don't know how it happened?"
"No, sir; I haven't the least idea."
"You weren't in any way concerned in it?" demanded Mr. Weevil, suddenly opening his half-closed eyes and fixing them on Paul.
Paul felt indignant. He had made as little as possible of his share in rescuing Hibbert; and as a result the master seemed to have a lurking suspicion that he was in league in some way with the boys who had caused the accident.
"No, sir, I was in no way concerned in it," he flashed back. "It was quite by chance that I was at the river-side this afternoon."
"Well, the matter must be further inquired into. It is quite certain that there is something that needs explanation."
"I know nothing about that, sir; but if you've no more questions to ask me, I'd like to change my things."
Paul's clothes had nearly dried on him. He had taken no heed of himself in thinking of Hibbert; but now that Hibbert was in bed, and in the hands of those who could take care of him, he began to think a little of his own condition, which was not altogether so comfortable as might have been desired.
"I'm sorry. I really had forgotten that you were in damp clothes. Why didn't you mention it before? You must change them at once."