“No, not exactly. He was getting in again at his window when I surprised him?”
“May I ask at what time?”
“About half-past twelve.”
“And how, if you did not see him, do you know that he was out skating?”
“He said so,” replied Mr Rabbits innocently.
“And his word is the only evidence you have that he was not elsewhere?”
Mr Rabbits was obliged to confess that it was.
“Buller! come here,” cried the doctor. “Now, did anyone see you at the gravel-pits, or going there, or coming back?”
“No, sir.”
“Think well, because you may be suspected of having gone in an exactly opposite direction. If any friend was with you I am certain that he would be glad to give himself up to get you out of a really serious scrape. Shall I put it to the boys, my lord?”