human
Ah! said Lord Woodruff, catching sight of the movement;
gpt
I was certainly out of the college last night, said Buller, getting on to his feet,
human
It has nothing to do with this case, my lord, interposed the doctor.
gpt
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.
human
Oh! if he was seen skating by one of the masters that is enough. Might I speak to the gentleman?
gpt
Certainly.
human
Oh! Mr Rabbits, you actually saw this boy skating last night, did you?
gpt
No, not exactly. He was getting in again at his window when I surprised him?
human
May I ask at what time?
gpt
About half-past twelve.
human
And how, if you did not see him, do you know that he was out skating?
gpt
He said so,
human
And his word is the only evidence you have that he was not elsewhere?
gpt
Buller! come here, cried the doctor.
human
Now, did anyone see you at the gravel-pits, or going there, or coming back?
gpt
No, sir.
human
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?
gpt
It is of no use, sir, said Buller.
human
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.
gpt
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 manner struck him as remarkably open and straightforward.
human
But you know it is impossible to accept anyone's unsupported evidence in his own favour, and I really wish that you could produce some one to corroborate your rather unlikely story. Assuming for a moment that you were in the company of poachers for a bit of fun last night, and that you saw something of this affray, and being caught as you got home, were frightened into accounting for your being out at so late an hour by this story of going skating in the moonlight; I say, assuming all this, I appeal to you to save yourself from serious consequences, and to forward the ends of justice by telling anything you know which may put us on the traces of the fellow who has injured my poor gamekeeper. A fellow who would come behind and strike a cowardly blow like that, trying to murder or maim a man who was simply doing his duty, does not deserve that you should shield him. Come, will you not denounce him?
gpt
But how can I tell about things of which I have no knowledge whatever? cried Buller, who was getting vexed as well as bewildered.
human
What I have said is the exact truth, and if it does not suit you I cannot help it. Believe me or not, as you like, there is no good in my going on repeating my words.
gpt
I cannot accept the responsibility of taking your bare word in such a matter, said Lord Woodruff, more stiffly, for Tom's tone had offended him;
human
he added, turning to Dr Jolliffe.
gpt
Mr Elliot is the next nearest magistrate, and I shall apply for a warrant against this youth to him.