"I'll teach you, you vagabond, what has happened," stuttered Mr. Baker, still further exasperated by the assumption of ignorance, which he entirely disbelieved. "Come along."
He marshalled George Paradyne away to the hall, holding his jacket collar. Every boy had got back before them. About twenty were in the fray, and Mr. Baker had not distinguished one. They were seated sedately at their evening lessons now, in common with the rest, and not to be distinguished. The angry master got out his cane.
"One single moment, Mr. Baker, before you strike me," said George Paradyne. "I declare that I was not in this. I knew nothing of it: I was going to Mr. Henry's for my usual reading when I came upon the blaze. Surely they will tell you I was not in it! They never do let me join in anything."
Mr. Baker paused, cane in air. George Paradyne had certainly been amidst the throng: he did not believe that he was not joining in the mischief.
"I was not in it, indeed, sir: I had but run up when you came. I was asking what it was."
"Who was in it, if you were not?" asked Mr. Baker. "You saw."
"I saw some of them."
"Tell me who they were. I shall cane you if you don't."
George looked round on the boys, as if to say, "Will none of you exculpate me?" They dropped their eyes on their books, and made no response.
"I shall cane you, Paradyne, if you don't tell."