“I’ll answer for it he has told of all of us,” said Tarlton.
“And I’ll answer for it he has told of none of us,” answered Loveit, with a sigh.
“You don’t think he’s such a fool, when he can get himself off,” said Tarlton.
At this instant the prisoner was led in, and as he passed through the circle, every eye was fixed upon him. His eye fell upon no one, not even upon Loveit, who pulled him by the coat as he passed—everyone felt almost afraid to breathe.
“Well, sir,” said Mr. Power, sitting down in Mr. Trueman’s elbow-chair, and placing the prisoner opposite to him; “well, sir, what have you to say to me this morning?”
“Nothing, sir,” answered Hardy, in a decided, yet modest manner; “nothing but what I said last night.”
“Nothing more?”
“Nothing more, sir.”
“But I have something more to say to you, sir, then; and a great deal more, I promise you, before I have done with you;” and then, seizing him in a fury, he was just going to give him a severe flogging, when the schoolroom door opened, and Mr. Trueman appeared, followed by an old man whom Loveit immediately knew. He leaned upon his stick as he walked, and in his other hand carried a basket of apples. When they came within the circle, Mr. Trueman stopped short. “Hardy!” exclaimed he, with a voice of unfeigned surprise, whilst Mr. William Power stood with his hand suspended.—“Ay, Hardy, sir,” repeated he. “I told him you’d not believe your own eyes.”
Mr. Trueman advanced with a slow step. “Now, sir, give me leave,” said the usher, eagerly drawing him aside, and whispering.