Page:Dave Porter on Cave Island.djvu/74

62 and then went back to our dormitory. And, come to think of it, you saw us there," added Dave suddenly.

"I saw you?"

"You certainly did. You came to the door and asked Luke Watson for a Latin book; don't you remember? Luke got it out of his bureau. We were all at the big table. Sam Day flipped a button at you and it hit you in the chin."

At these unexpected words the face of the money-lender's son fell.

"Was that—er—was that Wednesday?" he faltered.

"It certainly was, for we had to hand the essays in Thursday and we were all working like beavers on them."

"Nat, what Dave says is absolutely true—I know he wasn't near Leesburgh last week, for I was with him every day and every evening," said Ben.

"But I got the word from some fellows in Leesburgh. They followed you from the hotel to the show and talked to you afterwards, and they said you told them your name was Porter, and the other chap said his name was Morr. They said you gave the names of Poole and Plum just to keep your real identity hidden."

"Well, I am not guilty, Nat; I give you my word of honor on it."