“I know that, sir. But I know, too, how it could happen that the Trojan didn’t miss his Cicero. There had been no Latin recitation for our class since the test; he had had no occasion to look for the book.”
“Yet we had your word for it, Parker, that he had it with him at the time of the examination.”
“No, sir—just before the time. That’s a big difference.”
“Admitted!” said the principal drily.
“Just outside the room I borrowed the Cicero for a moment. Then I gave it back—the Trojan wanted it. Then the bell rang and we left our books in the corridor.”
“Did Walker?”
“Yes, sir.”
“How can you be sure he did? Did you see him leave his text there?”
“I didn’t see him—at least, I didn’t notice. But he says he did, and I believe him.”
The principal was eyeing Sam keenly. There was a brief pause. Then said he: