Parkin obeyed, and answered the question with a clear negative.
“The next boy.”
The next boy was Faulkner, who I suspected would fain have been able to say he knew anything. But for once he was at fault, and had to reply with an apologetic “No.”
In due time it was Dicky’s turn.
“Do you know anything of the matter, Brown?”
“No, sir,” said Brown, almost noisily.
The doctor looked at him keenly, and then ordered him to his place.
“Jones, come forward.”
I felt the blood fly out of my cheeks and my heart jump to my mouth as I obeyed. As I passed up the room I glanced nervously at the Dux where he sat listlessly regarding the scene. But he took no notice of me.
“Jones,” said the doctor, “do you known anything of this matter?”