Silk saw his mistake, and tried to cover it, but his confusion only made the case against him worse.
“No, I didn’t—he told me about it afterwards—that is, I heard about it—I never suggested it. He said he knew how to get at the boats, and I said—”
“Then you did speak about it beforehand?” said the doctor.
“No—that is—we only said—”
“Silk,” said the doctor, sternly, “you’re not speaking the truth. Let me implore you not to make your fault greater by this denial.”
Silk gave in. He knew that his case was hopeless, and that when Gilks had said all, Riddell could corroborate it with what had been said last night.
“Well—yes, I did know of it,” said he, doggedly.
“Yes,” said the doctor; “I’m glad at least you do not persist in denying it. You must quit Willoughby, Silk; I shall telegraph to your father this afternoon. You must be ready to leave by this time to-morrow.”
Silk hesitated for a moment, then with a look round at Riddell, he said, “Before I go, sir, I think you ought to know that Wyndham junior—”
“What about him?” asked the doctor, coldly.