human
I did not mean to report it, sir, said Crawley,
gpt
When did you last see this money?
human
At about a quarter to three, sir. As it was a half-holiday I thought I would get all my papers ready against the cricket and football meeting this evening. I set to work at that at a little after two; it did not take me very long, as they were all ready before, and only wanted arranging, and a little memorandum written out of what I wanted to say, for fear I should forget anything. When I had done I counted out the money in hand, and put it in a purse which I have always used for the subscriptions; there was the sum I have mentioned and a five-pound note. I put the purse back in the box, locked it, placed the keys in my coat- pocket, changed my clothes, and went out to play at football. I heard the clock strike three just after I had begun to play.
gpt
And when did you miss the money.
human
At the meeting, when I opened the box.
gpt
You had not done so again till then after locking it up, when you went out?
human
No, sir.
gpt
You are sure?
human
Positive, sir.
gpt
And the five-pound note was not taken?
human
No, sir; that was left.
gpt
Was it in the same compartment of the purse as the gold and silver?
human
No, sir; but it could be seen if the purse was opened, and why it was not taken too I cannot imagine.
gpt
That is not so difficult of explanation. But now I must ask you a painful question; but it is your bounden duty to answer it without reserve. Have you any suspicions as to who may have taken it?
human
None whatever, sir. I am almost certain that there was not a boy in the house. I was the last to remain in. Indeed I found all but three in the football field, and I know where they were, for I saw them playing at fives as I passed the court. At least two were playing, and the third, who had hurt his foot, was looking on.
gpt
Do you mean to say, for it is necessary to be accurate, that you recognised every boy in the house except these three in the football field yourself?
human
Not exactly, sir; but we have been talking the matter over, and those whom I did see can answer for all the rest.
gpt
And who were the three boys in the Fives Court?
human
I was the looker-on, sir,
gpt
And when did you leave?
human
When the others left off play, sir. We all returned together at tea- time.
gpt
That is right, sir, said Smith and Simmonds.
human
We were the two playing at fives, and Gould went and returned with us.