"We didn't go anywhere," said Osric. "Only the school-house pump wouldn't work, somehow, and we went to Mr. Peters, and he wouldn't let us have any, and so we went up to the tavern."
The Dark Night.
Where he found his father and mother
with Mr. Parsons and David.
"Well, and what then? Why did you not come back to school at once, instead of staying out all the afternoon?"
"We did go back as soon as we could," replied Osric.
"But, Ozzy, Miss Hilliard and all the children say that you did not come back at all," said David. "Miss Hilliard says she has never seen you since she sent you for the water before the girls' recess."
"Call Elsie," said Mr. Dennison. "She will tell the truth, if she is asked, I am sure."
Elsie was called, and came down, her eyes red with crying. "Now, Elsie, tell us the exact truth," said her father, drawing her towards him. "Did Osric and Christopher go out after water before recess?"
Once being asked a straightforward question, Elsie had no hesitation in answering. She checked her tears, and replied plainly, "Yes, father."