the doctor, "we have sent for you to tell us what you did
at the gymnasium last night. You were there, I understand, after dark?"

I looked first at the doctor, then at Tempest. I would have given
worlds to be able to have two minutes' conversation with him, and
ascertain what he wished me to say, if indeed he wished me to say
anything at all. The memory of a similar dilemma at Dangerfield only
served to confuse me more, and make it impossible to decide how I should
act now; while the presence of the policeman drove from my head any
ideas that were ever there. Would Tempest like me to say that I went
there at his bidding, and if not, how could I explain the matter? I
wished I only knew what had been said already, so that at least I might
put my evidence on the right side.

"Yes, sir," said I, "I saw Mr Jarman there."

"What were you doing there, eh, young master?" said the policeman.

This was an unexpected attack from the flank of the battle for which I
was wholly unprepared. I could have told the doctor, or even Mr
Jarman. But to be questioned thus by a representative of the law was
too much for my delicate nerves.

"Really, it wasn't me," said I. "I didn't do it, and don't know who
did. I only went to get a blazer, and left it there directly Mr Jarman
told me to do so."

"A blazer?" said the policeman, with the air of a man who has made a
discovery. "What sort of a thing is that? A blazer? Was it alight?"

Here Tempest laughed irreverently, much to the displeasure of the
policeman. I was, however, thankful for the cue.

"What," said I, "don't you know what a blazer is? Anybody knows that.
It's what you have in the fields."

"Come, young gentleman," said the officer, whom Tempest's laugh had put
on his dignity, "no prevaricating. What were you doing with that there
blazer?"

"What was I doing with it? Fetching it."

The policeman was evidently puzzled. He wished he knew what a blazer
was, but in the present distinguished company did not like to show his
ignorance.

"That blazer must be produced," said he; "it'll be evidence."

I looked at Tempest, as the person best able to deal with the matter,
and said,--

"I left it in the gym. Mr Jarman made me."

"How long was that before the explosion? Was it alight when you left
it?"

"The blazer? Oh no."

"A blazer," explained the head master blandly, "is a flannel jacket. I
don't see what use it can be as evidence."

"I suppose,"