human
It was picked up near where the vile work went on, said the doctor bitterly.
gpt
It is evidence that even if you had no actual hand in the dastardly horseplay, that you might have witnessed it, and you can tell us who did it. That is what we now call on you to do, Matson. Tell us who did it.
human
But I don't know! cried poor Joe.
gpt
I didn't see anything of it. I got in a little late, and went at once to my room. That telegram may have dropped from my pocket at any time, someone may have picked it up and put it--I mean dropped it--as they were passing the statue--either before or after it was pulled from the base.
human
That is hardly likely, said the doctor.
gpt
I am very sorry, Matson, but I must conclude that even if you had no hand in the vandalism, that you know who did it, or suspect.
human
But I don't! cried Joe eagerly.
gpt
Someone may have put this telegram there to make it look----
human
I think I know what you mean, said the proctor quietly.
gpt
You mean that some enemy of yours may have had an object in making it appear as if you had a hand in this work.
human
I--I, well, it might have happened that way.
gpt
And of the students here, whom would you regard as your enemy?
human
I--I--I must refuse to answer, said Joe firmly.
gpt
It would not be fair.
human
You mean you won't tell?
gpt
I can't, Doctor. I haven't any right to assume that the telegram came there that way. I know that I didn't pass very near the statue, either on leaving or coming back to school. The message dropped from my pocket, I'm sure of that, but the wind may have blown it near the statue.
human
There was no wind last night,
gpt
Then--then----
human
That will do, Matson, said the doctor quietly, and there was sorrow in his voice.
gpt
I will not question you further. I am convinced that if you had no hand in the actual overturning of the statue, that you know something of how it was done, or who did it. Are you prepared to tell us?
human
No, sir, I am not. I--can't.
gpt
I think I understand, said Dr. Fillmore.
human
Very well. Understand, we do not accuse you of anything, but under the circumstances I must put you on probation.
gpt
Probation?
human
Yes, added the proctor as the doctor turned away.
gpt
That means that you will not be allowed to leave the school grounds. You will report to your classes and lectures as usual, but you will not be allowed to take part in athletic contests.
human
Not--not baseball?
gpt
Not baseball, replied the proctor.
human
I am sorry, but that is the rule for one who is on probation. When you make up your mind to make a complete confession, and tell whom you saw at the work of tearing down the statue----
gpt
But I didn't----
human
That will do, interrupted the proctor gently.
gpt
You are on probation until then. And you will not be allowed to play baseball.