Billy remained after the others were dismissed.
The Principal returned from closing the door, and did not speak for a moment, but stood with his back to Billy fumbling with some books on his desk. When he wheeled Billy saw a different Principal from the one he knew, calm, cheerful yet powerful and a little stern. Instead, he saw a sorrowful face.
“Bennett, I can’t tell you how I regret this. I—I suppose you know that if you have not a more convincing explanation you’ll lose your honors?—perhaps have to leave the school?”
“Yes, Professor Teal.”
“Can you tell me privately anything more than I heard? As it is, you are charged with theft, and have been fighting.”
Billy hesitated. “I—I think I can say no more.”
After another silence the man asked suddenly, “Did the picnic episode noted in that circular refer to you?”
Billy’s eyes blazed. “It did.”
“You are the last one I should have suspected had I not heard Barney’s remark. How did it happen?”
“It was an accident. My watch went wrong.”