college unbeknown to the
authorities?"

He looked slowly round as he spoke, and it seemed to Buller that his
eyes rested upon him. Though he knew nothing of this poaching business,
he was certainly out, and perhaps Dr Jolliffe had told Lord Woodruff
so, and this was a trap to see if he would own to it, and if he did not,
they might suspect him of the other thing. He half rose, and sat down
again, hesitating.

"Ah!" said Lord Woodruff, catching sight of the movement; "what is it,
my lad? speak up, don't be afraid."

"I was certainly out of the college last night," said Buller, getting on
to his feet, "but I was not near any wood, and I did not meet any man,
or see or hear any struggling or fighting."

"It has nothing to do with this case, my lord," interposed the doctor.
"This boy went late to the gravel-pits to skate, and was seen by one of
the masters. It was a breach of the regulations, for which he will be
punished, but nothing more serious."

"Oh! if he was seen skating by one of the masters that is enough. Might
I speak to the gentleman?"

"Certainly."

And Mr Rabbits was called forward and introduced.

"Oh! Mr Rabbits, you actually saw this boy skating last night, did
you?"

"No, not exactly. He was getting in again at his window when I
surprised him?"

"May I ask at what time?"

"About half-past twelve."

"And how, if you did not see him, do you know that he was out skating?"

"He said so," replied Mr Rabbits innocently.

"And his word is the only evidence you have that he was not elsewhere?"

Mr Rabbits was obliged to confess that it was.

"Buller! come here," cried the doctor. "Now, did anyone see you at the
gravel-pits, or going there, or coming back?"

"No, sir."

"Think well, because you may be suspected of having gone in an exactly
opposite direction. If any friend was with you I am certain that he
would be glad to give himself up to get you out of a really serious
scrape. Shall I put it to the boys, my lord?"

"It is of no use, sir," said Buller. "I was quite alone, just as I told
you, and no one knew I was out. I did not think of it myself till a few
minutes before, when I found the bar loose. And I did not open my door
even. And I saw no one, going or returning, till Mr Rabbits lit his
chemical as I was getting in at the window."

"It is very painful to--ah--to seem to doubt your word, in short," said
Lord Woodruff with hesitation, for he was a gentleman, and Tom's