The next boy come forward." Parkin obeyed, and answered the question with a clear negative.
"The next boy." The next boy was Faulkner, who I suspected would fain have been able to say he knew anything.

But for once he was at fault, and had to reply with an apologetic "No." In due time it was Dicky's turn.
"Do you know anything of the matter, Brown ?" "No, sir," said Brown, almost noisily.
The doctor looked at him keenly, and then ordered him to his place.
"Jones, come forward." I felt the blood fly out of my cheeks and my heart jump to my mouth as I obeyed.

As I passed up the room I glanced nervously at the Dux where he sat listlessly regarding the scene.

But he took no notice of me.
"Jones," said the doctor, "do you known anything of this matter ?" The words would not come; and I glanced around again for succour.
"Turn your face to me, sir," thundered the doctor, "and answer my question." What could I say?
Where could I look?
The question was repeated once more.
"I only know I fancy I heard a shot in the night." I stammered at last.
A flutter of interest went round the room.

Failing all other clues it evidently seemed to be something to most of those present to elicit even this.
"Why did you not say so when you were asked this morning ?" No answer.
"Do you hear me, sir ?" "Please, sir, I couldn't be sure I had not been dreaming." "When did you hear this sound ?" "I don't know what time, sir; I had been asleep." "Was it light or dark ?" "Dark." "Is that all you heard ?" "I thought I heard a yell, too." "Did you get up or wake any of the others ?" "No, sir." "Did you do nothing at all ?" "I was frightened, sir, and hid under the clothes." "Is that all ?" Wasn't it about enough?
I thought.
"Yes, sir." I staggered back to my seat like a wounded man after a fray.