There was a pause of a full minute, during which there was dead silence; no one moved.
“What!” continued Lord Woodruff; “were you all in your beds at eleven o’clock last night? Was there no one out of college unbeknown to the authorities?”
He looked slowly round as he spoke, and it seemed to Buller that his eyes rested upon him. Though he knew nothing of this poaching business, he was certainly out, and perhaps Dr Jolliffe had told Lord Woodruff so, and this was a trap to see if he would own to it, and if he did not, they might suspect him of the other thing. He half rose, and sat down again, hesitating.
“Ah!” said Lord Woodruff, catching sight of the movement; “what is it, my lad? speak up, don’t be afraid.”
“I was certainly out of the college last night,” said Buller, getting on to his feet, “but I was not near any wood, and I did not meet any man, or see or hear any struggling or fighting.”
“It has nothing to do with this case, my lord,” interposed the doctor. “This boy went late to the gravel-pits to skate, and was seen by one of the masters. It was a breach of the regulations, for which he will be punished, but nothing more serious.”
“Oh! if he was seen skating by one of the masters that is enough. Might I speak to the gentleman?”
“Certainly.”
And Mr Rabbits was called forward and introduced.
“Oh! Mr Rabbits, you actually saw this boy skating last night, did you?”