"Look here, fellows," said Bascomb, "I've got some questions to ask you."
"Well, ask them," directed Hodge, shortly, as the boys halted and clustered again.
"I want to know if you actually think I am wicked enough to wish to kill a fellow cadet and classmate?"
"As fer mesilif, Oi dunno," admitted Barney. "Yure a big scoundrel, but Oi don't loike ter think any felly's villain enough to do murther."
"But it looks mighty black for you, Bascomb," said Bart. "We all heard Merriwell cry out that he was blinded, and then you seemed to drag him straight for the brink of the bluff."
"It was an accident!" declared Bascomb, hoarsely. "I did not dream we were anywhere near the edge of the bluff."
"It was not accident!" cried Fred Davis. "It was murder, and I will swear to it!"
"You hear that," came huskily from the lips of the accused. "If you fellows stand by him, I am done for."
"We'll have to be given time to think it over."
"No, that is wrong, for you'll be forced to make some explanation as soon as you get into camp."