"With 'em, sir!" said Briggs, with eagerness. "Wasn't I, Brodrick? We were among the first to follow."
"Yes, sir," asseverated Brodrick as positively. "We chased right in after you."
"How long did you stay in there?" asked Halsey. "I'm told you were among the first to bolt down-stairs—before school was dismissed."
"A minute or two, anyhow," declared Briggs. "I thought school was dismissed or I wouldn't 'a' run."
"Did the whole class follow? Did any remain?" he asked, searching the anxious features before him. He and Beach had already talked this over among themselves. John, too, had been examined, but further testimony was needed. Briggs reflected.
"Hoover was there, sir, and Shorty Prime."
"When you came out, do you mean?"
"Ye-ye-yes, sir. 't least Prime was. I didn't see Hoover."
"Where was Prime? Are you sure he was there?"
"Right up at the Doctor's desk, sir, where you were sitting."