Bob Jarvis was asked to give his version of the affair relating to the explosion only, which he did, pointedly and concisely. To a fair judge of human nature there was no doubt at all as to the truth of the story the boys were telling.
"Now, Jarvis, you say that you did not know you were doing a dangerous thing when you put the whole stream of water on the pit, do you?"
"Do I?" repeated the boy.
"Yes?"
"Do you think I would be foolish enough to blow myself up, just for the sake of feeling myself going up?" demanded the Iron Boy, with a belligerent tilt to his chin.
Mr. Keating leaned back, laughing heartily.
"Well, candidly, I don't, though I do not think even that consideration would stop you if there were any good reason for your blowing yourself up."
"I suppose you are not so far wrong at that," muttered Bob, coloring.
"There is another point that I should like to ask you about," said Mr. Keating, turning to Steve.