“But you prevented Sam from testifying.”
“Yes, I did,” declared Duncan, stoutly. “As Alsop was so sure I was bad, I thought he might as well find out the truth himself. I hoped it would come hard, for he’s treated me dirty mean.”
“How has he treated you meanly?” asked Dr. Leighton, quietly.
“Lots of ways. For one thing, he’s kept me on probation three weeks for throwing water out the window, when the fellow who started the thing only got one.”
“Go and get Archer,” commanded Dr. Leighton.
“Was Peck here Saturday night?” asked the instructor, as the two boys returned.
“Yes, sir,” answered Sam, eagerly. “He was here the whole evening from the time I came in a little after eight. We both went to bed about eleven. He was no more in Boston than I was.”
“One thing more, Peck,” said the teacher, turning abruptly on Duncan. “Where were you on Saturday afternoon?”
Duncan’s countenance fell. “Knocking around,” he answered cautiously.
“That’s indefinite. You were not at dinner.”